Edith CHUKU
Chairman of Obio/Akpor Local Government Area of Rivers State, Dr. Gift Worlu, has disclosed his administration’s commitment towards tackling the menace of land grabbing across the local government.
Worlu while supervising the demolition of some structures in allegedly hijacked community lands on Thursday, declared that the primary responsibility of any government was the protection of lives and property of residents.
Reiterating his administration’s commitment to safeguarding residents, the council boss noted that several legal and administrative steps have been taken to address the issue, including petitions to higher authorities and relevant security agencies.
The chairman described land grabbers as dangerous elements in society, accusing them of fueling violence and criminality.
Worlu further revealed that the matter has been escalated to key authorities, including the governor of the state, the state house of assembly, the commissioner of police, the inspector-general of police, as well as the national assembly.
According to him, the issue is currently before the House of Representatives Committee on Public Petitions, which had earlier ordered a halt to all activities on disputed lands within the area.
Despite these interventions, he lamented that the perpetrators have continued their activities in defiance of the law.
Worlu announced that the local government would begin the demolition of illegal structures erected by suspected land grabbers, starting with fences on disputed lands.
He warned that the council would extend similar actions to other affected communities, including Rumuodomanya, Rumuolumeni, Rumuokoro, Eliozu, Iriebe, Rumuokwurusi, Choba and Rumuigbo.
The chairman also cautioned residents against engaging in fraudulent land transactions, urging them to follow due process when acquiring property.
He advised individuals with land disputes to present their cases before the local government’s land committee, headed by Chief Alex Wele, for proper resolution.
