By Osazuwa Omoruyi
Residents of Eguare Ebelle in Igueben Local Government Area, Benin City, Edo State South-South Nigeria have decried the nefarious act of a notorious man known as Chief Osas Omozopia, along with his dreaded Bob Izua Gang that has been operating with impunity, terrorising people in the area.
Chief Osas Omozopia was said to have long been a shadowy presence in the region, engaging in land grabbing, political thuggery, and widespread extortion. Sources have confirmed that residents of the local government area and many part of Edo State have lived in constant fear of the Bob Izua Gang, which has terrorized communities and extorted money from innocent victims.
The gang’s reach and influence are reportedly extensive, such that they have become virtually untouchable, operating with the alleged backing of some elements in government. Sources also been revealed that the Bob Izua Gang also runs a popular transportation business, which has served as a front for their illicit activities.
Chief Osas Omozopia criminal empire is built on a foundation of violence and intimidation. It was gathered that the Bob Izua Gang, under his leadership, has been implicated in numerous cases of land grabbing, where legitimate property owners are forcibly evicted from their homes and land, often with little or no compensation. Victims have recounted harrowing tales of being threatened, beaten, and left with no recourse as their properties were seized.
Chief Osas, who has been identified as one of the dreaded political thug has also been accused of using his gang to intimidate political opponents, allegedly manipulate elections, and ensure the dominance of certain political factions. According to sources, his alliance with some corrupt political figures has further created a climate of fear and oppression, stifling democratic processes and silencing dissent.
Sources within security operatives, speaking on condition of anonymity, have also alleged that Chief Osas’s operations are often conducted with the tacit approval or direct involvement of elements authorities.
“It’s an open secret that Chief Osas and his gang have powerful friends in high places. They operate with a sense of impunity because they know they have the protection of powerful people in the position of authority”, and insider said.
It was gathered that many victims have reportedly disappeared, their fates unknown just as many have been forced to flee the country, leaving behind their homes, families as a result of the nefarious activities chief Osas.
Many residents and concerned citizens in the local government area have called for urgent action to dismantle the Bob Izua Gang and hold its members accountable. Some concerned citizens have also and the establishment of a special taskforce to tackle the gang’s activities.
While speaking on the development, a prominent Lawyer and Human Right activist Comrade Ehis Ehiagator said “We cannot allow this culture of impunity to continue. Chief Osas and his gang must be brought to justice, and those in positions of power who have enabled their crimes must be held accountable. The people of Edo state and Nigeria deserve to live without fear”.
Meanwhile, according to anonymous sources in the government, the government has silently waded into the matter by launching some investigations into the allegations against Chief Osas Omozopia and the Bob Izua Gang. However, many people remain skeptical, given the deep-seated corruption and previous faluires to take meaningful actions.
The people in the area are however waiting, hoping that justice will prevail and the reign of Chief Osas Omozopia and his notorious gang will end anytime soon.
