Land grabbing: Protesting Ogun residents warn of looming communal clash

Residents of Ikangba, Agoro, Imodi, Imosan, and surrounding communities in Ogun State have issued a stark warning: ongoing land grabbing activities, allegedly supported by security operatives, could ignite a communal crisis if the Federal and State governments do not intervene swiftly. The residents are protesting against what they describe as the forceful demolition of structures and the intimidation of locals by alleged land grabbers.

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We are here today to protest against the activities of land grabbers attempting to take over the communities of Ikangba, Agoro, Imodi, and Imosan. Together, these communities are home to more than 500,000 residents.

Armed with placards, the protesters directed their appeals to President Bola Tinubu, Ogun State Governor Dapo Abiodun, and the Inspector General of Police. They highlighted that the alleged illegal actions of these land grabbers, who reportedly arrive with bulldozers to destroy farms, crops, and buildings, could lead to the displacement of over 500,000 people. Residents have reported facing intimidation, harassment, and extortion.

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These land grabbers are attempting to drive people away from their ancestral lands. These land grabbers are collaborating with certain security operatives who always accompany them whenever they come with bulldozers, which they use to destroy farms, crops, buildings, and other property.

Comrade John Nicholas Eko, Ogun State Coordinator of the Campaign for Workers and Democratic Rights, emphasized that the protest aims to draw the attention of authorities to the plight of the affected communities. He urged Governor Abiodun to enforce the state's Anti-Land-Grabbing Law of 2016, a law that, according to community leader Professor Gafar Ayodeji, has not deterred the alleged invaders.

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We therefore appeal to President Bola Tinubu and the Governor of Ogun State, Prince Dapo Abiodun, to intervene urgently. The governor has repeatedly stated that land grabbing will not be tolerated in Ogun State. We ask him to ensure that this law is enforced in Ikangba, Agoro, Imodi, and Imosun.

Professor Ayodeji stated that residents have exhausted peaceful resolution avenues, including engaging with police officers and other respected individuals, without success. He lamented that despite the existing law, bulldozers and graders continue to be used to demolish buildings, destroy crops, and level existing foundations in the communities, pushing residents to the brink.

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We have