Authorities of the 2 division Nigerian army, Odogbo Ibadan have accused some land grabbers of being the brain behind lingering crisis between the army and host communities over the issue of shooting range.

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The host communities had on several occasions registered their displeasure on the location of the ranging claiming that they are no longer safe in the area.

For some times now, residents of Omilabu, Idi Omo, Ajobo and other adjourned communities situated along Arulogun, Igbo-Oloyin road and authorities of the 2 division of the Nigeria army, Odogbo, Ibadan have been at loggerheads over the army shooting range in the area.

The residents has on several occasion made representations as well as written several letters to authorities of the Nigerian army, traditional rulers among others on the matter.

Also, series of protest had been held across Ibadan during which the residents  alleged that the shooting range has become a threat to their lives.

Worried these allegations, authorities of the division have declared that the range has in no way constitute threat to the lives of the residents noting that it was constructed and being handled in line with international best practices.

The general officer commanding the division, major general Okwudile Azinta maintained that the shooting activities has in no way destroyed the property of the residents as being alleged noting that the Nigerian army was created to protect Nigerians and not to intimidate them.

Speaking with journalists before conducting them round the range, the garrison commander, major general Oluyinka Soyele says the shooting exercise is being observed in line with world class standard.

The general officer commanding the division accused people he identified as land grabbers as the brain behind misunderstanding between authorities of the division and the host communities.