•Allege encroachment on community land
By Francis Onoiribholo / Bureau Chief Benin
The elders and youths of Ogheghe Eresoyen community in Ikpoba Okha Local Government Area have called on the Edo State Ministry of Lands and Survey to intervene in the encroachment of their land by some persons.
The people, who embarked on a peaceful protest to press home their demand, particularly identified one Mr. Augustine Evbakhavbokun whom they said has converted the farm land given to him temporarily by the community to a permanent property.
The community members who brandished placards of various inscriptions, chanted solidarity songs round the community.
They called for the release of their land by the said Mr. Augusine Evbakhavbokun. According to the protesters, the land measuring 799 plots of 100ft by 100ft, was said to have been acquired by Evbakhavbokun from their late Enogie for the purpose of farming.
They said the land was given to him on lease and not an outright sale and wondered why the sudden permanent takeover of the land and promised to use legitimate means to reclaim their land.
They alleged frequent security harassment of their Enogie and the youth of the community by the said Evbakhavbokun.
The people appealed to the State Ministry of Lands/Survey and the State House of Assembly to request for the certificate of occupancy from the encroachers. They stated that the planting of economic crops in a land does not pave the way to claim the ownership of such land.
The people said they view peace as a panacea for enduring love, but vowed to protect their father’s land.
Some of the respondents appealed to the relevant authorities to intervene in the matter to promote peace in Ogheghe Eresoyen community.
The Secretary, Community Development Association, Mr. George Imazenobe, the Enobere of Ogheghe Eresoyen, Chief Osemwengie Uhunamure and Mr. Imuetiyan Idugboe said, the encroachers are currently occupying two third of their land.
Contacted, Mr. Augustine Evbakhavbokun said he bought the said land genuinely from the late Enogie of Eresoyen with adequate proof.
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