The Edo State government has launched a renewed crackdown on illegal land occupation, vowing to reclaim all encroached government properties.
The Special Adviser to the Executive Governor on the Protection of Government Property, Okoloise Eugene, made this declaration during an inspection tour of government-owned lands in Edo Central.
Okoloise revealed that several state-owned lands had been unlawfully sold to private individuals, religious organizations, and commercial entities. Expressing deep concern, he emphasized that such encroachments undermine urban planning and governance, warning that the government will take decisive action to recover the lands.
He also condemned the reckless construction of structures under high-tension power lines, describing it as a serious safety hazard. “This government will not stand by while people put their lives and those of others at risk,” he stated.
Backing the government’s stance, the acting chairman of Esan West Local Government, Hon. Godsent Abuebo, stressed that many of the illegal occupants felt they were beyond the law.
He assured that the state would reclaim all unlawfully occupied land and warned both current occupants and potential buyers to steer clear. “Anyone engaging in such transactions will only face disappointment,” he added, urging compliance to prevent forced evictions.
As the government intensifies efforts to enforce urban planning regulations, it calls on urban planners, community leaders, and residents to support the initiative. Authorities insist that securing government lands is crucial for the state’s strategic development plans.
The crackdown, as gathered by WorldClass247News, signals a firm commitment by the Edo State government to uphold the rule of law and restore order in land administration.