The Edo State Government has donated 3,000 bags of 10kg rice and N20m relief materials to seven farming communities in Ovia South-West Local Council, recently attacked by suspected Ijaw militants.

The attacks, which occurred on Friday, February 21, 2025, left at least 22 people dead, with several houses and other properties worth millions of naira destroyed.

The affected communities – Marindoti, Gbelemontin Domiju, Kola Village, Taiye Camp, Eto Camp, Dipe, Bala Dele, and Thousand—are largely populated by farmers from diverse ethnic groups, including Yoruba, Hausa, Igbo, and Benin.

Governor Monday Okpebholo, represented by the Executive Secretary of the Edo State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA), Jerry Idahosa, who presented the relief items, reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to grassroots development and sustainable peace.

He stated that the N20m financial aid was aimed at supporting the rebuilding of homes and critical community infrastructure destroyed during the attacks.

“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.

“The donations reflected the synergy between the state and Federal Governments under the leadership of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. The Federal Government has prioritised grassroots engagement and inclusive recovery.

“My administration is proud to complement that agenda through direct interventions such as witnessed in the affected communities,” he added.