19th September 2025
Edo State Governor, Monday Okpebholo, has called on the Federal Government to urgently intervene in the lingering boundary dispute between Edo and Delta states to avert possible communal clashes.
Okpebholo, who was represented by his deputy, Dennis Idahosa, appealed on Wednesday during a fact-finding visit to the disputed areas, alongside security chiefs and government officials.
He warned companies and individuals against exploiting the unsettled boundary matter by encroaching on Edo territory while the case remains before the National Boundary Commission for adjudication.
The visit followed reports of alleged incursions into Edo territory by the Delta State government, as well as attempts by some companies to establish operations on the disputed lands.
The area in contention lies between Urhonigbe community in the Orhionmwon Local Government Area of Edo State and Umutu community in the Ukwuani Local Government Area of Delta State.
Addressing residents of Urhonigbe community, Okpebholo assured them that his administration remained committed to protecting their rights and interests.
He, however, appealed for restraint, stressing that the matter was being handled at the highest level of national authority.
He said, “We are here to see firsthand the disputed boundary and the actual demarcation. We appeal to the Federal Government and President Bola Tinubu to direct the NBC to step in and expedite action so that this issue can be resolved once and for all.
“This River Ethiope is a natural boundary. We don’t want any crisis in the South-South or between Edo and Delta states. We are brothers, having once been Bendel State. We want peace, and we want the right thing done quickly.
“Please don’t take the law into your hands. As a government, we will continue to safeguard the territorial integrity of Edo State, but we must maintain peace and harmony with our neighbours while the NBC does its work.”
The governor emphasised that while his administration would defend Edo’s territorial claims, it would do so with fairness, peace, and respect for due process.
“Our ultimate goal is to ensure justice, preserve harmony, and protect the integrity of our people and our state,” he added.
Also speaking, the Assistant Inspector-General of Police, Zone 5, Salman-Dogo Garba, urged the communities to remain calm, describing Edo and Delta as inseparable partners in peace and development despite the land dispute.
“I appeal to the communities: Edo and Delta are still brothers despite this disagreement. Be peaceful, avoid violence, and don’t take up arms over this matter as it is already before the NBC,” Garba cautioned.
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