Obaretin Village Denies Murder Allegation

By Our REPORTER

The people of Obaretin Village have denied the murder allegation raised against them by the people of Ubiaza Village.

Both Villages in Ikpoba-Okha Local Government Area of Edo State, have been enmeshed in a lingering land dispute for several years.

Few weeks ago, in a separate news report and a video widely circulated on the social media, the people of Ubiaza village alleged that their neighbour (Obaretin) again attacked them with guns and other dangerous weapon. In the attack, one Isaac Onoriode a resident, was allegedly shot dead and now lying in the mortuary.

Reacting to the allegation, Osarobo Osagiede a native of Obaretin village, on behalf of the youths of village, denied the allegation levied against them.

According to him,”To our knowledge, there was news of a murder amongst the Ogiamien family who claim to be Ubiaza Community about a month ago.”

A section of the people there cried out that, some armed men came to attack them and one of their boys, one Isaac Onoriode who was staying with one Princess Ogiamien was allegedly shot dead, adding that, “the attackers were led by one Edwin Ogiemwense and his cohorts.”

Continuing, Osarobo Osagiede said they were not responsible for the killing of the said Isaac Onoriode but the Ogiamien family, who claim to be Obaretin Village in their internal crisis.

Appealing that the name of Obaretin Village should be taken out of whatever issues that may be confronting them, they said, the police should be allowed to do their investigation.

“We are not involved in the said protest over the killing of the said Isaac Onoriode as the Edwin Ogiemwense group erroneously want the public to believe through the publications.

“They are the culprits, but wants to cover up their crime alleging us. What is happening is in – fighting among the Ogiamien family.”

An elder in the Village, Pa Samuel Okunghae corroborated the narration of Osarobo Osagiede saying that nobody from Obaretin village, not even the youths knows what is happening to the Ubiaza people.

He said, “We only heard that if there is internal fight within themselves and somebody was shot dead in the process, they should not call the name of Obaretin village in their internal problems as they have done more harms than good to them.”

Also speaking is Lucky Osifo Ogiamien, a native of Ubiaza Village affirmed the narration of elders and people of Obaretin village.

According to him, Ogiemwense led armed men to wreak havoc in the Village during which, one Isaac Onoriode was shot dead.

“Without fear or favour, I make bold to say that Edwin Ogiemwense and his groups are the ones causing problem in the village, arresting and intimidating the people of Ubiaza village with police from Abuja.

“He should allow the peaceful existence between the people of Obaretin village and Ubiaza village to continue, all we want is peace, he has done enough havoc to the people and the village.

Meanwhile, the Spokesperson for the Edo State Police Command, Bello Kontongs (DSP) when contacted for reaction, affirmed that there is internal crisis in the village and not communal crisis as claimed.

He said on the 16th August, 2021, he got a report from the Divisional Police Officer (D.P.O) in-charge of Ologbo Command, that there was leadership tussle in Ubiaza village adding that one Edwin Ogiemwense who is said to be leader of one of the factions, led armed men to the village during which one Isaac Onoriode was shot dead.

As a result, the accused, Edwin Ogiemwense who is said to be on the run; has been declared wanted by the Police.