As the nation grapples with acute food shortage, the inhabitants of Ekole Community in Ovia North East Local Government Area of Edo State have raised concerns over the alleged destruction of their farmlands by one Monday Igbinoba.

The inhabitants of the community, in their numbers, protested at the premises of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Edo State Council, with songs and placards to express their displeasure.

Addressing journalists on behalf of the community, the Secretary, Mr Elvis Obaruyi, said the people of the community have been met with hardship since their crops were destroyed.

He accused Mr Monday Igbinoba of being responsible for their present hardship.

Mr Obaruyi alleged that the said Igbinoba is not a native of the community but came to settle there some years ago.

He said they were surprised that someone who came to settle in their community is now calling the shots and allocating their farmlands to a company.

He accused Igbinoba of conniving with a company in the community to destroy their crops, thereby throwing the inhabitants into starvation.

According to him, ?This Monday Igbinoba is not from Ekole Community. He came to our community years ago as an agent and has sold the entire community to a company without our knowledge.

?He is also parading himself as the Odionwere of Ekole Community. He is not from that community, but he is bulldozing every part of our community, destroying the people?s crops, which are the major source of the livelihood of the people,? Obaruyi said.

Obaruyi further appealed to the Oba of Benin, Ewuare II, and the Edo State Government to intervene urgently and save the inhabitants of the area from total starvation and from the breakdown of law and order in the community, as they are known to be law-abiding citizens of the state.

When contacted, Mr Monday Igbinoba, who referred the journalist to his secretary, Mr James Enofe Omoregie, said that the issue of land given to the company was agreed upon by all the elders in the community, including himself.

Igbinoba, who said he is currently the acting Odionwere of the community, added that the issue of who becomes the substantive Odionwere might likely be resolved soon, as they have been scheduled to meet with the Oba of Benin on Tuesday, June 10, 2025. (Daily Sun)