According to concerned indigenes, the forest lands were unlawfully leased to the strangers, who are reportedly engaged in cocoa farming, Indian hemp cultivation and other forms of agriculture.
Tension is escalating in Amahor community, Igueben Local Government Area of Edo State, following allegations that unknown strangers have illegally taken over portions of the community’s forest reserves.
Amahor, a community known for its rich cultural heritage and agricultural activities, has historically enjoyed relative peace.
However, residents say that calm has been shattered by the influx of outsiders who have allegedly settled deep inside the community forest, carrying out farming activities without the consent of the people or due process, according to statement signed by Dr. Napoleon Oluokhae on behalf of Concerned Amahor Indigenes.
According to concerned indigenes, the forest lands were unlawfully leased to the strangers, who are reportedly engaged in cocoa farming, Indian hemp cultivation and other forms of agriculture.
The development has triggered widespread anger and suspicion across the community, with many residents describing the situation as a looming security threat.
“The strangers are living freely in our forest reserves, and nobody knows their true intentions,” a community source told SaharaReporters.
“This is not just about land grabbing; it is about our collective security.”
Residents said the community had long appealed to the government for basic infrastructure such as roads and other social amenities, with little or no response.
More recently, they have intensified calls for government intervention over the growing security concerns posed by the occupation of their forest by unknown persons.
The situation has reportedly degenerated into what locals describe as an “internal cold war” between concerned Amahor indigenes and the alleged illegal occupants, as well as those accused of facilitating the leasing of communal land.
Community representatives said formal complaints have been submitted to the Edo State Commissioner of Police, the Ministry of Agriculture, the Edo State Forest Commission, and the Edo State Government through the Office of the Security Adviser to the Governor.
Petitions were also reportedly forwarded to the Nigeria Police Force Area Command in Ekpoma and the Divisional Police Officer in Ebelle.
Despite these efforts, the residents claim that no concrete action has been taken to evacuate the alleged illegal farmers or halt the activities in the forest.
“This continued silence and inaction from the authorities is deeply disappointing and dangerous,” the community said in a statement.
“The people are angry, and the situation is fast becoming volatile.”
The residents are now calling on Edo State Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo, to urgently intervene, warning that further delay could worsen tensions and destabilise the community.
“We appeal to all lovers of peace and security to speak out and support our demand that these strangers vacate our forest immediately,” the statement added. “Justice delayed is justice denied.”