Activist Kelly Osunbor’s Home Attacked by Thugs Over Illegal ‘Development Levy’ in Edo
The Edo Civil Society Coalition for Human Rights (EDOCSCHUR) has condemned what it described as a barbaric and unlawful attack on the residence of frontline activist, Comrade Kelly Osunbor, by suspected thugs in the Amagba area of Oredo Local Government, Edo State.
The incident reportedly occurred on Monday, August 4, after Osunbor refused to pay an illegal “development levy” allegedly demanded by former members of disbanded Community Development Associations (CDAs).
The activist had been renovating a private security post attached to his residence when the hoodlums confronted him and insisted he pay a fee.
In a statement signed by the coalition’s Secretary-General, Comrade Aghatise Raphael, EDOCSCHUR said the attack was carried out by remnants of the outlawed CDAs, known for extortion and land-related violence.
“Comrade Osunbor exercised his right to develop his property for personal use and refused to succumb to the unlawful demand,” the statement read. “In retaliation, the thugs vandalized his home, destroyed his property, and threatened his safety.”
The group described the incident as part of a growing and dangerous pattern of extortion and oppression in Edo communities, often disguised as community development initiatives.
Citing Section 43 of the Nigerian Constitution, which guarantees every citizen the right to own immovable property anywhere in the country, EDOCSCHUR stated that Osunbor’s rights were clearly violated.
“He legally purchased the property in Amagba and has every constitutional right to maintain it without being subjected to extortion,” the statement continued. “This attack is not only criminal but also an affront to human rights.”
The coalition issued a three-point demand to the relevant authorities: the immediate arrest, investigation, and prosecution of all individuals involved in the incident; the issuance of a government directive banning illegal levies and prosecuting those who use community platforms to extort residents; and protection for Comrade Osunbor and other human rights defenders who are being targeted for resisting criminality.
“We will not be silenced or intimidated. We will continue to defend the civil and constitutional rights of all Nigerians,” the group declared.
A video allegedly showing the hoodlums vandalizing Osunbor’s residence while demanding the illegal levy has sparked widespread outrage online, adding pressure on the state government and law enforcement to act swiftly.
Community Development Associations were officially disbanded in Edo State following repeated reports of unlawful levies, land grabbing, and violent enforcement methods.
However, civil rights advocates warn that many of their members continue to operate under new guises, perpetuating fear and extortion within local communities.
