Land Grabbing: Go, Take Possession Of Your Free Land, Committee Directs Former DG, FIRS.

…As Edo State PPPC Resume Sitting

By Simeon OSAJIE

The Edo State Private Properties Protection Committee (ESPPPC) has directed Mrs. Ifueko M. Omogui-Okauru, former Director General (DG), Federal Inland Revenue Service, (FIRS), whose plots of land in Avbiama Village were being encroached on by the villagers to go and take possession of the free portion of the land on one hand, while the encroacher is being sought out for on the other hand.

Recall Mrs. Ifueko Omogui had petitioned the Committee over the encroachment of her land in Avbiama Village by the villagers.

This was part of the decisions reached by Hon. Justice Alero Edodo-Eruaga (Rtd) led Committee as the Committee resumed 2023 sitting on Monday, 9th January in Government House, Benin City.

A report by a team of investigating police officers read before the Committee stated that a Survey plan showed the size of the Plots of land in dispute, and it was discovered that 40 percent of the land belonging to the petitioner was encroached on while 60 percent was free in the particular land measuring 1000ft by 1100ft, while the other plots belonging to parents of the petitioner were not tampered with.

At the end of hearing, the Committee directed the Petitioner, Mrs. Omogui, to go and take possession of the free portion of the land on one hand, while the encroacher is being sought out for on the other hand.

Meanwhile, Mr. Festus Eboyiro, current Enogie of Avbiama village and son of the deceased Enogie Chief Evboyiro Osamugie, has promised to assist the Committee in identifying the illegal occupants of the encroached property.

According to him, “I am a witness to the fact that my father agreed that the land belongs to the Petitioner, Mrs Omogui.”

The matter has been adjourned till February 13 for further hearing on the matter.

The Committee heard 46 cases revolving around land grabbing and boundary disputes on Monday and Tuesday alone.

While Resolutions were being reached in several cases, fresh new petitions were received at the busy administrative and records unit as early as Monday when the Committee resumed sitting after the nationwide public holidays.

Multitude of petitioners, respondents and residents seeking legal advice on their land issues were seen at the Committee’s office, waiting to appear before the Committee.

Sitting continues in Benin City.