By Eben Enasco
Victims of the September 2022 buildings demolition in Oke-Oroma and Ogheghe communities, Ikpoba Okha Local Government area of Edo State, Say members of the public must avoid any transaction regarding the lands, forcefully acquired by the Edo State Government against court injunction.
This is coming on the heel of a speculated move by the Edo state government and its agents, inviting members of the public to bid for the disputed landmass for sales.
One of the victims, Austin Akeni, while addressing journalists on behalf of others recently in Benin City, said whoever, was involved in the deal over the disputed property would do so at his own peril.
Akeni asserted that the Edo Government embarked on a forceful demolition of their houses in the Oke-Oroma and Ogheghe area of the city, despite a court injunction, restraining it and its agents.
Corroborating their position, Ojo Collins, another victim of the incident, said over 500 victims whose buildings were demolished seek the support and the prayers of kind-hearted individuals on this course.
Ojo who narrated how some of them were unjustly arrested and detained in police custody for weeks when they protested the injustice done to them, noted, however, that he believed the law and natural law of justice would favor them in the end.
Recall that the state government had through Special Adviser to Gov. Godwin Obaseki on Media Project, Crusoe Osagie, said the land, measuring about 1229 hectares was reclaimed for the development of a new town.
Osagie stated that the land was acquired in 2017 but encroached upon by land speculators.
