From Tony Osauzo, Benin

The people of Ugboko N’ Iro village at Ugoniyekorhionmwon in Orhionmwon Local Government Area of Edo State have appealed to the Oba of Benin, Oba Ewuare II, to tame mysterious wild animals -pythons, buffaloes and tigers – suspected to have strayed away from a polluted ‘Uhuende river’ in the locality.

They blamed the strange occurrence on pollution of the river that serves as the source of water for Ugbo N’ Iro villagers and Igbaghon (shrine) worshippers by some migrants who have given up Benin culture and tradition for their personal benefits after all entreaties to discourage the sacrilegious act fell on deaf ears.

The village head of Ugboko N’ Iro at Ugoniyekorhionmwon, Mr John Ogbewi, made the appeal when he led a peaceful protest by elders and women of the village to the Palace of the Oba of Benin in Benin City.

He alleged that their travails began after Mr Ikpeba, one of the children of Okporu (now deceased) reportedly carved out a camp from Ugboko N’ Iro, in connivance with the traditional ruler from the neighbouring village, Enogie (Duke) of Ugo, Edugie Ogieriakhi and ceded a portion of their land to the Mr Ikpeba who allegedly set up palm oil mill, and converted part of the river to a burrow pit for excavation of mineral resources including sands by economic merchants.

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“We are worried over the strange and unpleasant things that are now happening over the decision of the Enogie. Sometimes, pythons, Buffaloes or tigers stray into the village because of the abominable act caused as a result of pollution of ‘Uhuende river’, which forbids palm oil. It is also forbidden to take the sand from the river. Little babies are not allowed to come close to the river too. The water is no longer safe to drink”, Ogbewi lamented.

He also solicited the intervention of the Oba to mediate over the conflict and restore peace as well as return their ancestrial land to Ugboko N’ Iro people.

But, the Enogie (Duke) of Ugo, Edugie Ogieriakhi, denied the allegations.

Meawhile, Benin Palace chiefs led by Chief Stanley Obamwonyi, who received the protesters on behalf of the Oba of Benin, advised the actors in the crisis to sheath their swords and thread with caution, assuring that the crisis would be resolved peacefully after wide consultation.