Fresh outrage has erupted in Ondo State following allegations that operatives of the Nigerian Navy attached to the Forward Operating Base (FOB) in Igbokoda, Ilaje Local Government Area, invaded and terrorized three riverine communities—Obejedo, Obe Adun, and Obe Nla, leaving a trail of destruction, assault, and alleged theft of millions of naira.
The incident, according to a petition addressed to the Assistant Inspector-General of Police, Zone 17, Akure, by Obayem Williams of J.W. Obayemi & Co., was described as a “lawless and militarized operation” led by Commander Usman, the Commanding Officer of the Igbokoda Naval Base.
In the petition dated October 24, 2025, the solicitors, acting on behalf of Ilaje Omuro Worldwide Connect, accused the naval personnel of storming the affected communities “in a manner reminiscent of a war operation,” assaulting innocent residents, vandalizing homes, and allegedly molesting women.
One particularly disturbing incident, the petition stated, occurred at Obe Adun, where the naval officers allegedly raided a local bakery, assaulted workers, and carted away ₦14 million, said to be proceeds from two weeks of bread sales.
The group alleged that several residents have been rendered homeless due to the destruction of property, while others have fled their communities following threats from the officers that they “would return.”
Describing the actions of the officers as a “gross abuse of power” and a “flagrant violation of human rights,” the group urged the police authorities to launch an immediate investigation and bring the perpetrators to justice.
“Our client calls for urgent intervention to restore peace, ensure the safety of the affected residents, and forestall further breakdown of law and order,” the petition read.
Meanwhile, the Ilaje Omuro Worldwide Connect has also notified the Ondo State Police Command of its intention to stage a peaceful rally to protest what it described as “incessant killings and brutality of community residents by naval personnel.”
In a separate letter signed by the group’s spokesperson, Comrade Babatunde Omobone, the association said the demonstration is scheduled to hold on Monday, October 27, 2025, in Igbokoda at 10 a.m., while also requesting police protection before, during, and after the protest.
However, in a move to prevent tension from escalating, the group later issued a set of conditions for the postponement of the protest, urging the Chairman of the local council to take immediate conciliatory steps.
The conditions include a written letter of appeal assuring compensation for destroyed properties and stolen funds, a meeting with affected fishermen to address cases of harassment, and the issuance of a press statement appealing to Ilaje residents for calm.
The group warned that failure to meet these conditions would result in a temporary suspension of the protest, pending further resolutions.
Additionally, members of the association agreed to enhance transparency and cooperation by accompanying their leaders on official assignments and providing financial support to sustain advocacy efforts.
As of press time, efforts to reach the Nigerian Navy authorities in Igbokoda for comments on the allegations proved abortive.
Fidelis David
About the Author
