Bini Monarchs Cry Out Over Ijaws' Invasion of Territories

The Moment

13 October 2011

Bini Monarchs Cry Out Over Ijaws' Invasion of Territories

THE Bini Interest Group (BIG), an umbrella organisation of all Bini indigenes, has raised the alarm over the sustained and steady invasion of Benin territories and unprovoked attacks by the Ijaw settlers in the kingdom.

In a letter sent to Governor Adams Oshiomhole of Edo State, signed by his royal majesty, the Oba of Benin, Prince Edun Akenzua, the Enogie of Obazuwa and 53 other Benin High Chiefs, the monarch claimed that the Ijaw settlers have forcefully annexed Abiala, Ekehuan, Ibo, Ewudu, Gelegele and Ikonoke, all Bini territories, and now want to extend their frontiers to Obazuwa.

According to the monarch, the genesis of the Ijaw invasion of Biniland and search for more territories is based on their belief that the President Goodluck Jonathan administration would likely create a second Ijaw state out of the present Bayelsa State called Toru-Ebe State.

Added to this is the recent approval of a sea port in Gelegele town by the Jonathan administration, which the Diaspora Ijaws automatically view as a major economic advantage for the new state if eventually created.

According to the chiefs, since the tactical approval of the said port by the Federal Government, the Ijaw settlers who are mostly fishermen, have taken the law into their hands, killing, destroying and attacking innocent Bini people with impunity in their attempt to grab more territory.

The Bini monarch also claimed that many of the attacks were carried out in connivance with some Ijaw leaders whom they alleged tactically gave direction for the sustained attacks and invasion.