BY SIMON EBEGBULEM

BENIN CITY-THE Benin monarch, Oba Erediauwa, yesterday, frowned at what he described as the encroachment on lands belonging to his kingdom by some Ijaw youths in Ovia South West Local Government Area of Edo State.



He urged the Assistant Inspector General of Police, AIG, zone 5 Benin, Mr Hashimu Argungun to find solution to the problem.

The Oba, who spoke when the AIG paid him a courtesy visit, at his palace, also commended the state Police Commissioner, Mr Olayinka Balogun for his efforts in combating crime in the state.

The monarch lamented that some Ijaw people were stubbornly occupying large expanse of land, even when the Supreme Court had ruled against them. He delegated the Iyase of Benin, Chief Sam Igbe to liaise with the AIG to find lasting solution to the issue.

He expressed confidence in the new AIG Argungu, saying "from your qualifications and working experience, I am happy your quality is deployed to zone 5 and I wish you success in fighting crimes in the state.

"The CP in Edo State is doing well in trying to wipe out all forms of crime, including kidnapping. He is open to public discussion and interaction as a way of finding solution to insurgent of crime in the state."

Meanwhile, AIG Hashimu has promised the people of hitch free election, come July 14, gubernatorial election in the state, assuring the monarch of getting to the root of the matter in Ovia South West and other areas, where people had encroached on the land.

http://odili.net/news/source/2012/jun/22/322.html