Edo State Gov’t Supplies Aid To Attacked Farming Communities

The Edo State Government has given seven farming villages in the Ovia South-West Local Government Area that were recently attacked by alleged Ijaw insurgents ₦20 million in relief supplies, along with 3,000 bags of 10-kilogram rice.

The attacks, which took place on Friday, February 21, 2025, destroyed numerous homes and other structures valued at millions of naira, and at least 22 people were killed.

The impacted communities—Marindoti, Gbelemontin Domiju, Kola Village, Taiye Camp, Eto Camp, Dipe, Bala Dele, and Thousand—are predominantly populated by farmers from numerous ethnic groups, including Yoruba, Hausa, Igbo, and Benin.

The relief supplies were delivered by Governor Monday Okpebholo, who was accompanied by Jerry Idahosa, Executive Secretary of the Edo State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA), who reaffirmed his administration’s dedication to sustained peace and grassroots development.

According to him, the ₦20 million in financial assistance was intended to help rebuild homes and vital community infrastructure that had been destroyed in the attacks.

In order to preserve peace and encourage long-term development, he also restated the governor’s commitment to set up a security post in the Maidoti/Gbelebu community in cooperation with security agencies.

“This is governance in its truest and most humane form. We are not just handing out food; we are reinforcing your strength and your right to a government that cares,” Idahosa said.

“Financial support was immediately sent to the affected families to help begin the rebuilding of homes and restoration of properties destroyed. This was not a token gesture. It was a commitment backed by action.”

“The donations reflected the synergy between the State and Federal Governments under the leadership of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. The Federal Government has prioritised grassroots engagement and inclusive recovery.”

“My administration is proud to complement that agenda through direct interventions such as witnessed in the affected communities,” he added.