By Edeniyere Osose
The Edo State Government has delivered relief materials and financial support to Maidoti and Gbelebu communities in Ovia South-West Local Government Area, following recent communal clash that disrupted peace and livelihoods in the area.
After tensions between the two neighbouring communities, which degenerated into violence, the State Government through its Emergency Management Agency (EdoSEMA), conducted an on-the-spot assessment of the situation and released financial aid to affected families. The sum of twenty million Naira was disbursed to support the rebuilding of destroyed buildings and community infrastructures.
The interventions are in fulfilment of the promises made by the State Governor, Sen. Monday Okpebholo during his visit to the affected communities to assess the level of damage, engage directly with stakeholders, and championed the path to peace and recovery. Such promises included financial assistance, provision of relief materials, and the establishment of a security post to the people of Maidoti and Gbelebu.
Besides the financial support, the Government dispatched truckloads of rice and other essential food items to the communities. The relief distribution was led by the State Governor, represented by the Executive Secretary of EdoSEMA, Hon. Jerry Idahosa. The Governor reassured residents of his administration’s unwavering commitments to grassroots development and sustainable peace.
In his words, “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. 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.”
Sen. Okpebholo linked the intervention to broader national priorities; noting that the efforts reflect the synergy between the State and the Federal governments under the leadership of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, saying the Federal Government has prioritised grassroots engagement and inclusive recovery. He concluded that his administration is proud to complement that agenda through direct interventions such as witnessed in the affected communities.
The communal clash had severely strained relationships between Maidoti and Gbelebu. However, through prompt mediation and continuous dialogue with local stakeholders, peace has now been restored. Both community leaders and residents have confirmed the return of calm and pledged their supports for long-term harmony.
The Chief Security Officer of Maidoti’s Local Vigilante Group, Mr. Igbala Ibazuaye, expressed deep gratitude for the Governor’s prompt and compassionate response, saying, “I cried out to the Governor and he welcomed us to Government House. He promised twenty million Naira and the establishment of a security post, among other things, which he delivered. He came just five days after the incident, declared peace, and since then, peace has returned.”
In a similar vein, the Amanowei of Gbelebu Community, High Chief Enoch Soluboh commended the Edo State Governor for fulfilling his promises, saying, “At first, we were skeptical due to past disappointments, but this Governor kept his words. Peace now reigns, and we will continue to support his administration.”
Residents of both communities received the relief items with joy and appreciation, describing the gesture as unprecedented. Leaders of both communities reiterated their commitments to maintaining peace and supporting the State Government’s broader development agenda.
Sen. Okpebholo’s interventions in the communities have been widely acknowledged as timely and strategic. The State Government pledged continued collaboration with security agencies to safeguard the renewed peace and foster lasting development in the area.
