The residents of Ikangba Community in Odogbolu Local Government Area of Ogun State have appealed to Governor Dapo Abiodun to urgently intervene in an alleged land crisis threatening the peace, safety and property rights of members of the community.
The community made the appeal during a press conference, addressed by its Secretary, Prince Oluleye Olufemi where it alleged that some individuals it described as land grabbers had continued to invade and attempt to take possession of its ancestral land despite interventions by security authorities.
According to the community, two of its indigenes were previously arrested and detained at the DSS office in Abeokuta in connection with the dispute.
Olufemi said the two indigenes were subsequently released after documentary evidence supporting the community’s position was presented and the matter was reviewed.
He alleged that despite the arrest by the DSS, the perpetrators still continued the alleged act.
The community appealed directly to Governor Abiodun, saying, “We are appealing through the media to His Excellency, the Governor of Ogun State, Prince Dapo Abiodun, to urgently intervene before the situation degenerates further and innocent citizens lose their lives or are unlawfully dispossessed of their land.
“Our concern is particularly heightened by the alleged involvement of some officers of the Department of State Services (DSS), who, according to our confirmation, have been used by certain individuals whom we identify as land grabbers to invade and attempt to take possession of the community’s land.
“Two indigenes of Ikangba were at one point arrested and detained at the DSS office in Abeokuta. However, following a proper review of the matter and the presentation of documentary evidence supporting the position of the community, the two indigenes were released.
I “We understand that the Director of the DSS, after listening to the parties and examining the circumstances, warned those behind the land dispute to desist from actions capable of disturbing the peace of the community.”
It added, “Unfortunately, rather than respecting that directive, the alleged land grabbers reportedly continued their activities after leaving the DSS office.”
The community also disclosed that the Ogun State Commissioner of Police had intervened in the matter by inviting the parties involved and listening to their respective positions.
It said the police commissioner also warned the alleged land grabbers against entering or taking possession of the disputed property.
According to the community, “The Ogun State Commissioner of Police also intervened by inviting the parties and listening to their respective positions. After reviewing the matter, the Commissioner similarly warned the alleged land grabbers to stay away from the disputed land.”
It argued that the interventions by the two major security agencies demonstrated the seriousness of the dispute and the need for all parties to respect lawful processes.
“These interventions by the heads of the two major security agencies demonstrate the seriousness of the matter and, more importantly, the need for all parties to respect lawful processes and avoid taking the law into their own hands,” the community said.
However, the community alleged that the crisis had continued despite the interventions.
“Our greatest concern now is that, despite these interventions, the harassment has continued. We have continuous reports of maiming and sporadic shooting on the land, creating an atmosphere of fear among members of the community,” it alleged.
