BENIN: The Edo State Government has issued a stern warning to land grabbers, encroachers, and speculators over illegal activities on government-owned land in Benin City, vowing to demolish structures and prosecute offenders.
In a statement on Wednesday signed by the Chief Press Secretary to Governor Monday Okpebholo, Owaen Fred Itua, the government said its attention had been drawn to widespread illegal sales, purchases, and developments on the Lot A parcel of land—popularly known as Coral City—within the Obagie Acquisition area of Benin.
“This statement serves as final warning to all land grabbers and encroachers to desist from selling, building, or buying any land from any speculator in the designated area,” the government said.
According to the statement, while the entire Obagie Acquisition is government land, arrangements are in progress to return Lots B, C, and D to their original owners and occupants in line with the Okpebholo administration’s pledge to regularize property ownership and resolve land disputes.
The government, however, stressed that Lot A (Coral City) remains strictly under state ownership and warned that any ongoing or future illegal development in the area would be met with forceful demolition and prosecution of culprits.
“This notice serves as a strong and last warning to land grabbers and encroachers on government lands in Lot A (Coral City) and others across the State, as dire consequences await such illegal activities,” the statement warned.
The Okpebholo administration reiterated its determination to safeguard state assets while fulfilling its promise to return legitimately acquired lands to their rightful owners.
