As the Delta State Government continues the demolition of illegal structures built on Dennis Osadebay University land in Anwai-Asaba, around 74 Road, the Chairman of the Taskforce on the recovery of government lands, Chief Frank Omare, stated on Friday that the government is targeting land grabbers who have misled innocent citizens into purchasing government lands.
Chief Omare, flanked by members of the Taskforce, mentioned in an interview with journalists that the property owners had been given sufficient notice since the last demolition at Musa Camp Asaba.
He warned that all illegal occupants on government lands across the state would soon face action and urged them to urgently evacuate their valuables as the government is determined to recover all its lands across the state.
Ruling out compensations for the property owners, he asserted that they should, in fact, compensate the government for the cost of demolition.
He said: “We are still focused on the Asaba area. We will proceed to Warri, Ughelli, Isoko, Agbor, Patani, Ibusa, and other regions. We are coming to all these places because Governor Sheriff Oborevwori has directed us to recover all government lands across the state.
“From the beginning, various government agencies informed them that the land belongs to the government, but they refused to listen through the administrations of Kefas, Ibori, Uduaghan, Okowa, and now Sheriff Oborevwori.
“We are targeting the land grabbers and those community leaders who have misinformed and misled the less privileged in this state. How can you sell government land?
“Many have fled, but the government is pursuing them because the suffering caused by the greed of some people is too much. However, we cannot remain idle because the government must act.
“It is not about Governor Sheriff Oborevwori or Chief Frank Omare but about defending government policies. It is not targeted at anyone.
“Selling government land is a crime. Go to Warri and see what is happening. How can people build on top of the road?
“Dear Deltans, make sure to inquire about any property you are considering to ensure it is not on government land. Remove your valuables because the government will soon reach those areas.”
Regarding allegations that the government had given the property owners a one-year extension, Omare dismissed them as mere propaganda, mischief, and blackmail.
“Times are hard, and the government’s intention is not to make the populace suffer. The issue is with the land grabbers who believe they are community leaders and youths selling their lands. The government is coming after them.
“We have presented the government’s gazette and Certificate of Occupancy to the public, and there is no counter Certificate of Occupancy.
“We are doing what is right as a government, and we will be very firm and impartial. There are people in government collaborating with the land grabbers, but we are also dealing with them,” he said.
