Delta State Government has commenced a major enforcement operation aimed at reclaiming government-owned lands illegally occupied by traders and private individuals across the state.
The exercise kicked off with the pulling down of shops located inside the premises and fence of the Urban Water Board in Asaba, the state capital.
Also affected were unauthorized commercial activities taking place under the high-tension electricity lines, an act the state government condemned as unlawful and suicidal.
Owners of the businesses affected flouted a three-month eviction notice.
In the restoration of sanity to the affected areas, the Chairman of the Delta State Taskforce on Environment, Chief Godspower Asiuwhu led his men to effect demolition of the illegal structures.
On arrival, owners of some of the illegal shops were seen removing their valuables and pulling down the structure.
Speaking on the exercise, Asiuwhu said that the enforcement followed a directive from Governor Sheriff Oborevwori mandating the recovery of all encroached government properties.
He emphasized that the operation was part of a broader effort to restore order, enhance public safety, and protect critical state infrastructure.
Asiuwhu added that similar enforcement actions will be carried out in other locations where notices have been served and warned illegal occupants to vacate or face legal consequences.
He reiterated the government’s resolve to uphold environmental laws, discourage unlawful occupation, and ensure a clean, safe, and orderly urban environment throughout the state.
In a related development, the state government has commenced recovery of its lands encroached upon by estate developers and illegal land merchants inside and around the Asaba International Airport.
The encroachment was uncovered when the state government embarked on the erection of a fence and tarring of an access road around the boundary of the airport.
As a result of this development, Governor Oborevwwori directed the chairman and members of the Delta State Taskforce on Environment to embark on the demolition of the long fence cited inside the Asaba International Airport.
The fence which is more than 500 meters long took the task force over two hours to bring down through the use of a bulldozer.
Speaking on the demolition exercise, Asiuwhu said any structure built on government land must go down and advised estate developers and other investors in the housing sector to liaise with relevant government agencies in addition to community leaders in land acquisition.
Asiuwhu said all government lands have been surveyed and advocated that illegal land grabbers will not escape the full weight of the law.
He said the fence was being demolished because it was cited inside government land and pledged the government’s determination to put an end to such illegal acts, adding that the exercise will be extended to all government lands across the state.
