…. as govt hails citizens’ cooperation with ongoing campaign against land grabbing

…says exercise’ll make Edo safe investment haven

The Edo State Government has directed individuals and groups with valid title documents to landed property at the new town development project along Irhirhi-Obazagbon-Ogheghe Road to come forward with their documents for verification at the project site from Monday, October 10, 2022.

The exercise is being carried out by the Edo State New Town Development Authority, which has officials stationed at the project site.

The government commended residents for their cooperation with the state government’s ongoing exercise to end land-grabbing in the state.

The Edo State Commissioner for Communication and Orientation, Christopher Nehikhare while briefing journalists in Benin City, said the campaign will complement the government’s efforts to improve land administration in the state, repositioning the state as a safe haven to investors.

He said, “We want to thank Edo people for the cooperation that they have given to this exercise. We thank them for their understanding and encouragement to carry out this operation. The government appreciates them and is committed to have proper land administration in Edo State.

“We will make sure our people don't go through the process of hardship in land acquisition and being answerable to thugs and land grabbers. We will ensure that they are free from the grip of these people.”

Reassuring on the government’s commitment to ensuring the arrest and prosecution of land grabbers in the state, the Commissioner said, “We want to assure Edo people that the government will not relent in chasing land grabbers out of Edo State and having the system in place where everybody that want to invest in landed property in the State are safe.

“The government is serious about land in Edo State as the government has begun taking charge of the land in the state with this operation taking place in the area marked to be reclaimed.

“As of today, we have completely reclaimed the Ogba River Forest Reserves which will be handing almost 80 per cent of the new town development.

“From this week, we will be inviting the consultants to come and do the topography, soil and other tests to ensure that the soil and area is suitable for the master plan developed.”

He added, “The government will offer compensation for properties along areas marked for roads or buffer areas. Government is determined to have a well-articulated new town and doesn't want to experience what has been experienced in Benin City.

“The properly laid down master plan will allow for harmony, peace and security. There will not be room for erosion and other environmental issues that will cause pain to the people.”