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Local government

Edo State Government Threatens to Treat Community Members as "Criminals" for Preventing Road Project

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

Edo State Government and its partners, including the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation Limited (NNPC), had flagged off the 16.7km Ikpako-Ajoki road project in February 2022. The project aims to open up the communities to economic development activities, particularly due to its proximity to the planned Benin Seaport in Gelegele. However, farmers from Evbuorokhuo village have threatened and prevented the construction company, Raycon, from continuing its work, demanding compensation for alleged damage to their farm crops.

Key Takeaways:

  • The Edo State Government has threatened to treat members of Evbuorokhuo community as "criminals" for preventing the construction of the Ikpako-Ajoki road project.
  • The farmers are demanding compensation for alleged damage to their farm crops caused by the construction.
  • The construction company, Raycon, has confirmed that the farmers have prevented them from continuing their work, including the movement of equipment and site clearance.
  • The Community Liaison Officer, Mr. Stanly Osayande, has appealed to the state government to dialogue with the farmers for the sake of humanity.
  • The state Commissioner for Communication and Orientation, Mr. Chris Nehikhare, has stated that the state government will not pay compensation to the farmers.

Statistics:

  • The Ikpako-Ajoki road project spans 16.7km.
  • The project aims to open up the communities to economic development activities.
  • The planned Benin Seaport in Gelegele is expected to benefit from the project's proximity.
  • The construction company, Raycon, has confirmed that the farmers' actions have delayed site clearance by two to three weeks.

Sources:

  • The Edo State Government.
  • The Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation Limited (NNPC).
  • The Journalists who reported the encounter with the farmers and Community Liaison Officer, Mr. Stanly Osayande.
  • The statement by the state Commissioner for Communication and Orientation, Mr. Chris Nehikhare.

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