The Delta CP, CP Samuel Erale, has issued a stern warning against land grabbing and all forms of violence associated with land disputes across Delta State, particularly in the Amachai axis of Okpanam, Asaba, and other parts of the state.
In a statement released on Friday, the Delta State Commissioner of Police cautioned individuals, communities and groups against forcefully taking possession of disputed land, encroaching on property, intimidating lawful occupants, destroying property or engaging thugs to enforce claims of ownership.
Key Highlights
- Delta CP Samuel Erale warns against land grabbing and violence over disputed property.
- Police caution individuals and groups against using force to enforce land ownership claims.
- Persons involved in land disputes are advised to seek redress through courts of competent jurisdiction.
- Police will intervene where land disputes involve criminal acts or threaten public peace.
- Area Commanders and Divisional Police Officers have been directed to respond promptly to criminality arising from land disputes.
- The Delta CP urges landowners, developers, traditional leaders and youths to embrace lawful means of resolving disputes.
The warning followed reports of land-related disputes degenerating into confrontations and other acts capable of endangering lives and disturbing public peace.
The Delta CP made it clear that no individual or group has the right to seize, occupy or take possession of land by force, irrespective of the claim being asserted.
He stressed that a claim of ownership, however strongly held, does not justify threats, violence or resort to self-help.
Persons contesting ownership, possession, boundaries or other interests in land were therefore advised to seek redress before a court of competent jurisdiction and allow the law to take its course.
The Delta CP further warned persons who engage in land grabbing, forcible entry, threats to life, assault, malicious damage, intimidation or other criminal acts under the guise of asserting ownership that the command would not hesitate to take appropriate action.
While noting that the police would not be drawn into determining title or ownership in purely civil land disputes, Erale directed Area Commanders and Divisional Police Officers across the state to respond promptly where such disputes involve criminality or threaten public peace.
He also directed the officers to ensure that persons found culpable were dealt with in accordance with the law.
CP Samuel Erale called on landowners, developers, community and traditional leaders, youths and other stakeholders to exercise restraint and embrace lawful means of resolving land disputes.
He reiterated that no claim to land justifies violence, intimidation or a forceful takeover, stressing that no parcel of land is worth the loss of human life.
“The Command remains committed to protecting lives and property and will not permit any individual or group to disturb the peace of the State under the guise of pursuing a land claim,” the statement added. For more updates, follow us on X.
