BENIN CITY – Edo State Government has warned that any person who encroaches on Government Land will have himself or herself to blame.
The State Commissioner for Lands and Survey, Hon. Joseph Ayebeni Ugheoke (JP) gave this warning when he received the Elders, Chairman and Youths of Utagbéan Community Development Association in his office in Benin City.
The Lands and Survey Commissioner said the essence of the meeting was the need to communication the directive of Governor Adams Aliyu Oshiornhole to them on the encroachment of the Edo State Government acquisition at Utagbean Community especially, the Ogba Zoo which is a valued asset of the state.
He then added that he had been briefed that only 30 hectares of reserved land was de-acquired for the community by the previous Government but, the Community has now extended beyond that.
Honourable Ugheoke, then advised Utagbean Community to show proof of the perimeter survey and the gazette of the de acquired area. He used the medium to appeal to Utagbean Community Development Association not to sell or trespass on Government. land located within Ogba Zoo area as any person caught will be treated as criminal trespasser and will be death with in accordance with the Law.
In his response, the Chairman, Utagbean Community Development Association, Mr. Friday Odigie thanked the Hon Commissioner for the meeting and that they are in support of the good infrastructural Development of the State by the Governor Adams Aliyu Oshiomhole led administration.
He further said that the community was a peace loving people and will not contend with the State Government over the land.
On his part, Mr. Friday Odigie who also spoke said, that they have proof with perimeter survey and gazette that 30 hectares was de-acquired for the community and promised to send the documents to the Ministry before the next meeting.
Present at the meeting were the acting Permanent Secretary and Surveyor General, Sur. Godwin Osayande and Director of Lands, Mr. Joel Ramison and Top management staff of the ministry.
