Fresh tension has gripped Ondo State following claims that Nigerian Navy operatives attached to the Forward Operating Base (FOB) in Igbokoda, Ilaje Local Government Area, allegedly invaded three riverine communities—Obejedo, Obe Adun, and Obe Nla, leaving residents traumatised, properties destroyed, and millions of naira reportedly stolen.
The allegations were detailed in a petition addressed to the Assistant Inspector-General of Police, Zone 17, Akure, by Obayem Williams of J.W. Obayemi & Co., on behalf of Ilaje Omuro Worldwide Connect.
The petition, dated October 24, 2025, described the operation as “lawless” and “militarized,” led by Commander Usman, the Commanding Officer of the Igbokoda Naval Base.
According to the petition, the naval officers allegedly stormed the communities in a manner “reminiscent of a war operation,” assaulting residents, vandalizing homes, and molesting women.
”One particularly alarming claim occurred in Obe Adun, where officers allegedly raided a local bakery, assaulted workers, and carted away N14 million, said to be proceeds from two weeks of sales.”
The group also stated that several residents have been rendered homeless due to property destruction, while others have fled in fear of further attacks.
They described the actions as a “gross abuse of power” and a “flagrant violation of human rights,” urging police authorities to investigate immediately and hold the perpetrators accountable.
“Our client calls for urgent intervention to restore peace, ensure residents’ safety, and prevent further breakdown of law and order,” the petition read.
In response, Ilaje Omuro Worldwide Connect notified the Ondo State Police Command of plans to stage a peaceful protest against what they described as “continuous killings and brutality by naval personnel.”
The demonstration was initially scheduled for Monday, October 27, 2025, in Igbokoda at 10 a.m., with a request for police protection.
However, in a bid to avert escalation, the group later outlined conditions for postponing the rally, urging the local council chairman to initiate conciliatory measures.
The conditions included written assurances of compensation for destroyed property and stolen funds, a meeting with affected fishermen, and a press statement appealing to residents for calm.
The group warned that failure to meet these conditions would delay the protest pending further decisions.
Members of the association also pledged to enhance transparency and support for advocacy initiatives by accompanying leaders on official assignments and providing financial backing.
Efforts to reach Nigerian Navy officials in Igbokoda for comment were unsuccessful as of press time.
