Awanwu Community in Fugar, Etsako Central local government area of Edo State is currently facing a deepening crisis stemming from a dispute over family land and properties, which has tragically resulted in the sudden death of Peter Ekhatane.
The untimely demise of Peter Ekhatane, the younger brother of Sylvester Ekhatane, is a direct consequence of the brewing conflict between Sylvester’s family and his uncle regarding the ownership of a disputed parcel of land and properties. These assets were originally owned by their late father, Pa. Ekhatane, who recently passed away in Awanwu community.
Awanwu Community, known for its relative tranquility as an agrarian society, has unfortunately experienced several episodes of communal strife since the demise of Pa. Ekhatane. This unrest has been triggered by the extensive land holdings and properties left behind by their late father for his children.
Mr. James, Sylvester Ekhatane’s uncle, has taken it upon himself to make life unbearable for his late elder brother’s children by claiming full ownership of the entire land and its associated properties. He has asserted that his elder brother transferred ownership to him after borrowing a substantial sum of money that he was unable to repay even after his demise.
According to an anonymous source within the family, the crisis has already claimed the life of Sylvester Ekhatane’s younger brother, who was brutally attacked by unknown assailants wielding machetes in January 2021. The attackers warned him to stay away from the disputed land and properties. Unfortunately, he succumbed to his injuries a few days later. This tragic incident has further intensified the conflict, leading Sylvester Ekhatane and his other siblings to engage in a fierce battle to establish their rightful ownership of the contested land and properties.
The violent dispute has resulted in the destruction and burning of property, houses, and farmlands worth millions of naira. Dangerous weapons have been freely employed, causing injuries to members of the Ekhatane family. Frightened residents of the community have sought refuge to safeguard themselves from the wrath of the warring family factions.
Meanwhile, due to the continuous threats faced by Sylvester Ekhatane and his family, resulting from his uncle’s relentless refusal to relinquish his claims to the land and properties, recent reports from Awanwu community indicate that Sylvester Ekhatane’s whereabouts are currently unknown.
