OGUN RESIDENTS RAISE ALARM OVER ALLEGED LAND GRABBERS’ ATTACKS ON FARMLANDS

Residents of Ikangba, Agoro, Imodi, Imosan and neighbouring communities in Odogbolu Local Government Area of Ogun State have raised fresh concerns over the alleged activities of suspected land grabbers in their communities.

The residents accused the alleged invaders of entering their ancestral lands with bulldozers and other heavy equipment, destroying farmlands, plantations and properties in the process. They also claimed that those who attempted to challenge the activities were subjected to intimidation and threats.

According to the community members, the situation has created fear among residents and disrupted the activities of farmers who depend on the affected lands for their livelihoods. They appealed to the Ogun State Government and security agencies to urgently intervene before the dispute escalates into a wider crisis.

The residents alleged that the suspected land grabbers had continued their activities despite previous interventions by government officials and security authorities. They said heavy machinery was being used to clear portions of the disputed land, destroying crops and other agricultural investments belonging to residents.

The communities also called for an impartial investigation into the land dispute, urging authorities to establish the rightful ownership of the affected areas and examine the documents and claims presented by all parties.

Community representatives stressed that they were not seeking confrontation but wanted the government to protect their ancestral lands and ensure that disputes were resolved through lawful channels.

They further appealed to the Nigeria Police Force, Department of State Services, the Ogun State Anti-Land Grabbing Task Force and other relevant authorities to investigate the allegations and prevent further destruction of property.

The residents said the continued destruction of farms and properties could worsen tensions within the affected communities if urgent steps were not taken. They therefore urged the state government to act quickly to restore calm and protect residents from further alleged encroachment.

The latest complaints come days after residents of several Ogun communities staged another protest over alleged land grabbing, accusing suspected invaders of using bulldozers to destroy buildings and farmlands. The protesters had also warned that the dispute could develop into a communal crisis if left unresolved.