Delta State Commissioner for Lands, Surveys and Urban Development, Chief Goodnews Obiodeh has taken a tough stance on land encroachment, warning individuals to cease trespassing on government-acquired lands or face legal consequences.
The Commissioner gave this warning in his office in Asaba during a meeting with Oleh Community representatives from Isoko South Local Government Area.
Obiodeh emphasized that the 1999 Nigerian Constitution grants the government ownership of all lands, which were acquired to serve public interests and advised the community to verify land ownership before development to avoid criminal charges, reminding them that ignorance of the law is no excuse.
He also warned against entering government-ownedland, stating that the town planning department would not approve development plans stating that both buyers and sellers would face consequences.
The Commissioner advised them against forceful occupation and encouraged the community to appeal to the government through passionate, well-reasoned written requests to de-acquire parts of the land.
However, Prince Andrew Ogbodu, the community’s spokesman, claimed they were unaware of the government’s acquisition and appealed to the Commissioner to show the acquired area’s size and boundaries.
According to the Commissioner, the warning wasconsistent with the Delta State Government’s recent efforts to recover government lands, as demonstrated by the demolition of illegal structures on Dennis Osadebay University land in Anwai-Asaba.
The government’s stance aims to maintain respect for the law and prevent land grabbing.