The people of Inikorogha Community in Ovia South West local government area have dismissed allegations of security threats to Okomu National Park and nearby riverine communities, including claims of arms stockpiling. They urged the federal and Edo State governments, as well as park management, to ignore these claims, asserting that many of the individuals raising concerns do not belong to their community and that some are still grieving their losses from the September 21, 2024, governorship election.
A group called Concerned Sons and Daughters of the Riverine Area of Edo State recently urged the President to address an alleged security threat to Okomu National Park and surrounding riverine communities, claiming that some individuals are stockpiling firearms to terrorize the area for malicious purposes.
In response, community leaders—including Chairman of the Elders Council Bonaji Igiriwe, Community Chairman Hon. Timi Robert, and Youth President Ukulor Stanley—issued a statement urging President Bola Tinubu, Edo State Governor Monday Ikpebholo, and other officials to dismiss these allegations as false. They emphasized that Inikorogha community is the host community for Okomu National Park.
The community leaders clarified that there is no security threat to Inikorogha or Okomu National Park, noting that the park’s staff live peacefully and harmoniously with surrounding communities without any complaints. They attributed rumors of insecurity to individuals associated with the former Governor of Edo State, whom they described as illegal bloggers.
They referenced a past incident in 2023 where the national park intercepted a timber-laden truck attempting to steal timber. The leaders emphasized that Inikorogha and Okomu National Park coexist peacefully and operate legally concerning the management of felled logs without any current threats.