The Edo State government, under the leadership of Governor Monday Okpebholo, has initiated a robust campaign to reclaim encroached government properties, revealing startling discoveries and raising concerns about the extent of illegal land acquisition in the state. A recent operation uncovered a brothel operating within the premises of Ujuele Primary School in Esan West Local Government Area, highlighting the audacity of land grabbers and the vulnerability of public institutions. The brothel has since been sealed, and the government is currently deliberating on the future use of the reclaimed property. This incident underscores a broader issue of encroachment on government-owned land, impacting not only schools but also other public spaces, including a significant portion of the historic Benin moat.
The scale of the encroachment is alarming, with Eugene Okolosie, the state coordinator for the Protection of Government Property, reporting that over 2,000 plots of land have been recovered thus far. This figure represents only a fraction of the estimated 150,000 houses in Edo State believed to be built on government land. The prevalence of illegal land acquisition has prompted the government to urge citizens to exercise due diligence when acquiring property, advising them to obtain clearance from the Edo Geographic Information Service to verify ownership and avoid becoming victims of land grabbing schemes. This proactive approach aims to curb the rampant illegal activities and protect individuals from potential financial losses and legal complications.
The government’s recovery efforts have extended to Ambrose Alli University, where significant portions of land belonging to the institution were reclaimed from encroachers. The recovery followed reports from the community alleging forged signatures used by land grabbers to illegally acquire the property. This case demonstrates the collaborative approach the government is taking, working alongside communities to identify and address instances of illegal land acquisition. The successful recovery of approximately 90 percent of the encroached land at the university signals the government’s commitment to protecting public institutions from illegal activities.
Another disturbing incident occurred at Iyoba, where the community reportedly divided the land belonging to a school and sold half to private individuals. This resulted in a kitchen being constructed adjacent to a classroom, creating an unsuitable learning environment due to the intrusion of cooking odors. The government is currently investigating this case, highlighting its commitment to addressing all forms of encroachment on school properties. The investigation underscores the government’s determination to hold individuals accountable for their actions and ensure that public institutions are protected from illegal activities.
The sheer volume of petitions received by the agency further emphasizes the gravity of the situation. Over 3,000 petitions from various communities have been received in just two months, pointing to widespread concern about illegal land acquisition. The petitions provide valuable information about encroachments and facilitate the government’s efforts to identify and reclaim illegally acquired properties. The agency’s commitment to addressing these petitions demonstrates its dedication to working with communities to combat land grabbing and protect public assets.
Governor Okpebholo’s support for the agency, including the provision of legal counsel, is crucial to the success of the recovery efforts. This ensures that the agency has the necessary resources to effectively prosecute offenders and enforce the law. The provision of legal counsel further strengthens the agency’s ability to pursue legal action against land grabbers and deter future illegal activities. The governor’s commitment to tackling this issue sends a strong message that land grabbing will not be tolerated and that the government will actively protect public properties for the benefit of all citizens.
