The Traditional Ruler, Odo-Noforija Kingdom in Epe Division, Oba Babatunde Ogunlaja, has called on the Lagos State Government and security agencies to rescue the community from land grabbers’ invasion.
Ogunlaja made the call on Thursday during an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Epe.
He said that land grabbers had become a menace in Epe Division, adding that the scenario had become frightening and alarming.
“The landgrabbers have invaded Epe Division, thereby, turning the community into a base where they carry out their ungodly activities.
“The government and security agencies intervention is highly required at this crucial time,” the traditional ruler said.
He lamented the gross misconduct of land grabbers, saying they hijack people’s landed properties unlawfully.
He added that the land grabbers were in factions and the factions sometimes clash violently, while laying claim on someone else’s land.
“This menace needs to be checked by the government and necessary solutions provided.
“Property owners don’t enjoy their landed properties again, because of the activities of land grabbers.
“The government and its enforcement agencies need to intervene as a matter of urgency to avoid communal clashes,” he said.
Ogunlaja urged the Lagos State Special Task Force on Land Grabbers (LSSTFLG) to take swift action to ensure peace in its communities.
“We want to see the effectiveness of the land-grabbers’ task force of the Lagos State Government.
“Land-grabbers have moved downwards to Epe Division and are causing chaos, ” he cried.
He further warned land-owning families from inviting land grabbers into the community’s lands.
“If you know your family are the genuine owner of a particular land and you are denied access, go to court to seek for redress.
“You don’t even need land-grabbers to claim your landed properties, if you are the genuine owner. Better still, go to court to file the case,” he said.
Ogunlaja called for more government support for traditional rulers to prevent communal crisis, noting that land grabbers now had sophisticated methods of inciting conflict. (NAN).
