The Edo State Government, through the Task Force on Protection of Government Property has intervened in a series of land encroachment disputes involving prominent institutions in the state. The Task Force, led by State Coordinator, Hon Eugene Okoloise, has been working to recover government lands encroached on by individuals and communities.
One of the longest disputes involves the Emaudo community and Ambrose Alli University, Ekpoma. The University, which was allocated a vast expanse of land by the state government, has allegedly had portions of its land encroached on by Emaudo community.
Engr. Jerry Akhigbe, Director of Physical Planning, Ambrose Alli University noted that the report of encroachment was submitted to the state government through the management, prompting the Task Force to investigate. Akhigbe emphasised that documents, some of which are as old as the University, can provide evidence of encroachment and its extent. "Documents don't lie," he said. "When compared, they can give the true side of the story."
However, Dr. Felix Obhakhan, a former Director of Finance at Irrua Teaching Hospital and immediate past member of the Edo State Audit Service Commission, emphasised the need for individuals and communities to desist from encroaching on government lands. He warned that such actions have consequences and urged those involved to respect the boundaries of government properties. However, he stated that Emaudo community has not encroached on the university land.
In response, Hon. Monday Ehiagwina, a representative of Emaudo community and former member of the Edo State House of Assembly, stated that the community is doing its best to secure the land. He claimed that there are documents showing the survey of the entire land and suggested that any encroachment would be addressed in due time. He maintained that Emaudo community has not encroached on the school land. Ehiagwina advised that a new date be set to settle the matter amicably and relevant documents be presented.
Cases of land encroachment at Agba Grammar School and General Hospital, Uromi, was also addressed. The task force also visited Agba Grammar School, Uromi, where a similar case of encroachment was reported. Additionally, the team visited the General Hospital, Uromi, where it was discovered that approximately 70% of the hospital's land had been encroached. The encroachment was deemed wilful and deliberate.
State Coordinator Eugene Okoloise emphasised that the task force is not out to witch-hunt anyone but rather aims to recover government properties that rightfully belong to the state. He urged individuals and communities to respect government lands and warned that failure to comply would result in appropriate action.
The Edo State Property Recovery Task Force's efforts to address land encroachment disputes demonstrate the state government's commitment to protecting its properties and maintaining order. As the Task Force continues its work, it is essential for individuals and communities to cooperate and respect government lands in the interest of peace and to avoid conflicts.
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