Oke-Oroma Land Crisis Deepens as Fresh Killing Raises Security Concerns

Fresh concerns have emerged over the lingering crisis surrounding disputed land sales in Oke-Oroma community in Edo State, following the killing of a man linked to the controversial transactions earlier this month in Lagos.

The victim, identified as Mr. Alex Ovie, was shot dead by unknown gunmen in what police authorities described as a targeted attack. Law enforcement officials confirmed the incident but stated that no arrests have been made so far, adding that investigations are ongoing.

The killing has renewed attention on the unresolved tensions stemming from the Oke-Oroma land dispute, which has troubled the community since 2022.

Mr. Ovie was reportedly among individuals connected to the sale of plots in the area, where conflicts escalated after a government demolition exercise cleared numerous residential and commercial structures.

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The demolition left many buyers claiming that they had legally purchased the plots and invested significant resources in developing the land.

The destruction of properties triggered widespread anger among affected buyers, many of whom accused those behind the sales of failing to provide accountability or resolution.

Community sources say the matter has remained largely unsettled, allowing resentment to fester over the years.

The latest incident is not the first violent episode linked to the controversy. In 2024, another associate connected to the land sales, Mr. Osas, was reportedly shot dead in Port Harcourt under circumstances community members say were similar to the recent Lagos attack.

Residents familiar with the crisis say the killings reflect the deep divisions and unresolved grievances surrounding the disputed land allocations.

“There is still anger over what happened in Oke-Oroma,” a community member who requested anonymity said. “Many people invested their savings in those plots and lost everything after the demolition. The matter was never properly resolved.”
Another resident suggested that powerful interests may be involved in the ongoing tensions.

“There are very influential people connected to the issue, including politicians,” the resident said. “Some individuals are seeking revenge over the losses they suffered, and that has made the situation extremely dangerous for anyone associated with the land sales.”

The crisis has also forced some individuals linked to the controversial allocations to stay away from the community since the unrest began in 2022.

At the center of the dispute is Mr. Prince Collins, widely believed by residents to have played a key role in the sale and allocation of the disputed plots. He reportedly left the community amid growing tension and threats following the demolition exercise.

Community sources say his whereabouts, as well as those of members of his immediate family, remain unknown. There are also reports that some aggrieved individuals are still searching for him and others associated with the land transactions.

Observers say the absence of a clear resolution to the Oke-Oroma dispute has allowed the crisis to linger, with periodic threats and violence continuing to raise fears among residents and those linked to the land dealings.

As of the time of filing this report, police authorities have not confirmed any arrests in connection with either the 2024 Port Harcourt killing or the recent Lagos attack.

Residents say the lack of arrests and enforcement has heightened anxiety and uncertainty within and around the community, as the Oke-Oroma land crisis continues to cast a shadow over those connected to the disputed transactions.