The indigenous people of Okomu in Ovia South West Local Government Area of Edo State have decried what they described as “continuous neglect and marginalisation” of the area by the government and the multi-nationals operating there.
They lamented that despite being an ancient community that plays host to Okomu National Park and an international oil palm company, the community and the ones under it are completely neglected and oppressed.
Mr. Friday Atele, a community leader said what the indigenes expected from Okomu Oil Palm Company when it came on board in 1976 is quite different from what is being experienced presently.
“When the Okomu Oil Palm Company came in 1976, we expected development and impact in our communities, but rather we are experiencing the other way round. Now, all our communities have been driven to the river,” he said.
On the National Park, Atele said: “When the National Park came up with their extension bid, the people of Okomu told them that the land belongs to them and that they don’t need to expand it, but they refused. Our communities are being threatened day and night.”
He further lamented: “The National Park presently uses arms and ammunition to threaten our communities that they want to take over the land, and that the government said they want to make use of the land. When we are not from Ghana, we are Nigerians for crying out load. If not that we are peace love people, there would have been crisis in the state as experienced in the North.”
