By Paul Olayemi

A palpable tension grips Edo State as the countdown to the gubernatorial elections intensifies, with the Niger-Delta Ex-Militant Forum raising a red flag against potential violence. The group, issued a stark warning on Tuesday, alleging clandestine moves by certain political actors to disrupt the peace and stockpile arms.

“We are aware of alleged clandestine moves by some political actors and we are watching them closely,” declared Honorable Ogidigba Godstime, the leader of the forum, in a statement the forum, committed to safeguarding the hard-won peace in the region, vowed to resist any attempt to plunge the state back into an era of fear and unrest.

Godstime emphasized that while political activities within Benin City were permissible, any attempt to export chaos to the riverine communities, which have enjoyed a period of relative tranquility, would be met with stiff resistance. He attributed this newfound peace to the relentless efforts of security agencies in dismantling alleged criminal networks.

The specter of an exiled militant leader, hangs heavy over the forum’s warning. They allege that certain political figures are orchestrating a plan to reinstate the ex militants and his cohorts back into the Inikorogha community, a move they vehemently oppose.

“Any attempt to bring back this mulitant and his gang will be resisted not just by the Inikorogha community but by all the riverine communities,” the statement read

The forum invoked the memory of alleged atrocities from the past, a chilling reminder of the potential consequences should their warning go unheeded.

“The alleged murder of Ernest Binebi Sibete on November 13, 2013, the alleged shooting of China Samuel, and other criminal acts allegedly committed by the militants are still fresh in our minds,” the statement declared, underscoring the severity of their concerns.

Adding another layer to the already tense situation, the forum revealed intelligence reports alleging that certain political figures are actively recruiting mercenaries from neighboring Ondo and Delta States to bolster Idro’s ranks. This alleged desperation, they argue, threatens to turn the state into a battleground, a prospect they fiercely oppose.

“Politics is not a do-or-die affair,” Godstime emphasized, his words carrying the weight of someone who has witnessed the devastating consequences of political violence firsthand. “We call on all political parties to eschew violence, present their manifestos to the electorate, and allow the people to decide.”

The forum’s message resonated with a sense of urgency, a plea for sanity and restraint in the face of escalating tensions. Their commitment to preserving the peace, a peace they see as the bedrock of development, serves as a stark reminder of the high stakes involved in the upcoming elections.

As the political climate in Edo State heats up, the Niger-Delta Ex-Militant Forum’s warning serves as a potent reminder that the path to progress lies not in violence and intimidation, but in dialogue, respect for the rule of law, and the will of the people.