The head of the Onigangan family in Ogun State, Semiu Raimi, has raised alarm over persistent threats from land grabbers who have allegedly encroached on their ancestral land, attacked residents, and created tensions in the community.
Raimi, who works as a driver, disclosed that the crisis began over three years ago, escalating when a former apprentice, one Samson allegedly started selling off parts of a land that had been purchased over a decade ago.
“The original owner of the land reported to me that Samson, his former apprentice, was illegally selling portions of the land.
Samson later teamed up with a land grabber popularly known as ‘Paradise,’ which worsened the situation,” Raimi said.
He lamented that efforts to resolve the issue, including police interventions, had failed, as the suspects allegedly ignored directives.
“We were asked to provide a land survey, which we did, but Paradise refused to submit his own. Even after taking the matter to Lanfewa and Sabo authorities, no concrete action was taken,” he added.
According to Raimi, the situation has turned violent, with community members facing physical attacks.
“We have evidence that Paradise and his men assaulted six of our boys. We spent N300,000 treating one of the injured victims. Even policemen from Eleweran were beaten up by Akinboro’s boys last year,” he alleged.
He further revealed that over 30 acres of Onigangan land have been unlawfully measured and seized.
The encroachers reportedly survey lands at night, claim ownership, and intimidate rightful owners.
“Our pleas to the King of Onijaye have not yielded results. We are urgently calling on the government to intervene and put an end to this harassment before it escalates further,” Raimi appealed.
The Onigangan family joins several other villages, including Base, Ido, and Baki, in facing similar land disputes. Base’s case, which was dismissed in court, is currently under appeal, involving a land area of 102 acres.
Residents now fear for their safety as the land grabbers allegedly continue their activities unchecked.
When contacted , a surveyor ,Jamiu Adaraloye who was accused of being used by the land grabbers denied working for the land grabbers .
Adaraloye who who confirmed working for the accused land grabbers said he was working as a professional and not working as either land grabbers or accomplice .
He however claimed to have essential information on the land ,claiming that he had worked for many village heads and land owners in that area .
The Police Public Relations Officer in the state, Omolola Odutola could not be reached as of the time of filing this report .
Do you want to share a story with us? Do you want to advertise with us? Do you need publicity for a product, service, or event? Contact us on WhatsApp +2348183319097 Email: platformtimes@gmail.com
We are committed to impactful investigative journalism for human interest and social justice. Your donation will help us tell more stories. Kindly donate any amount HERE
