The Edo State Private Properties Protection Committee (ESPPPC) has directed the former Director General (DG), Federal Inland Revenue Service, (FIRS), Mrs. Ifueko Omogui-Okauru, whose plots of land in Avbiama Village was encroached upon by land grabbers to take possession of 60 percent of the encroached land while matters relating to the other portion is sorted out.

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

The decision was reached by the Hon. Justice Alero Edodo-Eruaga (Rtd)-led Committee as the committee resumed sitting for the year 2023 at Government House, Benin City.

A report by the investigating Police Officers stated that a Survey Plan revealed that 40 percent of the land belonging to the petitioner was encroached on while 60 percent was unencumbered.

At the end of hearing, the Committee directed the Petitioner, Mrs. Omogui, to take possession of the unencumbered portion of the land, while the alleged land grabber is sought out to clear issues on the other portion of the land.

The current Enogie of Avbiama village and son of the deceased Enogie Chief Evboyiro Osamugie, Mr. Festus Eboyiro, promised to provide necessary support to 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 bordering on land grabbing and boundary disputes.