Community appeals to Buhari, Oba of Benin, Obaseki over attack

The People of Kolokolo community in Benin Edo state have called on President Muhammudu Buhari, Edo state governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, and the Oba of Benin, Oba Ewuare II, to protect them against alleged threat to life.

The spokesperson for the community Comrade Sunny Etchie, told journalists that following a protest against Chief Johnson Aseleghe, the Iyasere of Warri Kingdom on January 9, 2020 to the Oba of Benin palace over his subjecting of Kolokolo community to his traditional rule, their lives have been under threat.

Etchie alleged that several attacks on the community by suspected hoodlums were orchestrated by persons believed to be loyal to the Iyasere of Warri Kingdom.

According to him, the community has reported Chief Johnson Aseleghe to the Secretary to Edo State Government on his illegality.

He explained that trouble started when chief Johnson tried to stop a road project from Kolokolo to Ikpako benefiting over 15 communities cutting across Ikpoba Okha and Ovia North East local government areas.

“We called on the government to arrest and prosecute those involved in the attack and also compel their sponsors and chief mastermind of the attack to pay for everything lost during the attack on

Kolokolo community.

“it is on record that the Kolokolo community is in Benin Kingdom of Edo state where our allegiance is to the Oba of Benin and the Enogie of Ologbo who is the Duke of Ologbo Dukedom in line with Nigeria’s Constitution applicable in Edo state.” Etchie said.

Reacting to the allegations, in a telephone interview, Chief Johnson Aseleghe told Niger Delta Trust that the people who were protesting claiming to be from Kolokolo community were not from there.

According to him, the people of Kolokolo community have since taken the matter to the Olu of Warri, hence he cannot speak on the issues raised.

“The People protesting in Benin over the attack on the community are not from Kolokolo community. The matter of Kolokolo community is already before the Olu of Warri and as such I cannot say anything,” he said.