The Delta State government on Monday called for calm over the land dispute between some landowners and estate developers in Ugbolu Community, Oshimili North Local Government Area, assuring residents of a swift intervention.
Director of Protocol, Chief Sunday Onoriode, made the appeal while addressing protesters at the Government House, Asaba, where they had gathered to present their grievances.
Speaking on behalf of Governor Sheriff Oborevwori, Onoriode commended the protesters for their peaceful conduct, noting that they had chosen the appropriate channel to air their concerns.
“I want to sincerely thank you for bringing your complaints and concerns to Government House, Asaba. I am pleased that you did not take the law into your own hands, and I urge you to remain peaceful,” he said.
He assured the protesters that the governor, a firm advocate of the rule of law, would give the matter due attention and ensure that justice is upheld.
Earlier, the Leader of the protesters, Ofili Okweose, said they were at the Government House, to express their grievances over the alleged wrongful acquisition of their lands and the unlawful demolition of their properties.
He explained that the affected lands, spanning hundreds of hectares and owned by thousands of individuals mostly civil servants had been peacefully occupied for up to two decades without dispute until recently.
“Our concern is that we acquired lands in Ubulu-Amachai Quarters and have used them for 20, 15, even 10 years without hindrance. Nobody ever challenged us, and there was no contention whatsoever,” he stated.
“Just a few weeks ago, someone brought in bulldozers not one, not two, but up to 10 clearing the entire area and carving it into a layout,” he added.
According to him, investigations indicated that some officials in the Ministry of Lands had been corresponding with members of the Ubulu community, creating the impression that the land was under government acquisition.
He alleged that certain individuals were colluding with some community elements and estate developers to unlawfully sell the land under the guise of a state-backed project.
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Okweose also questioned the legitimacy of the project, citing the absence of official markings or documentation typically required for government projects.
He further condemned the manner in which the demolition was allegedly carried out, describing it as violent and unlawful, disclosing that the matter had been reported to the Delta State Police Command but claimed no action had been taken, prompting the peaceful protest.
The protest ended peacefully, with the demonstrators expressing hope that the Delta State government would urgently address their concerns.
