LAND one of the enduring creations of God, ordinarily ought to be a blessing, a resource for development, agriculture, and shelter to humanity. Yet, it has become a source of bloodshed, bitter disputes, and loss of lives due to the unchecked menace of land grabbing. Communities are torn apart, families are left in ruin, and innocent people lose their lives because of the greed of a few who have turned land acquisition into a criminal enterprise.
The Land Use Act of 1978 was meant to provide structure to land ownership in Nigeria, placing land under the control of state governments in order to prevent indiscriminate sales and disputes. However, in many states, Delta inclusive, the reality is far from ideal. Land grabbers have found ways to manipulate the system, selling the same parcel of land to multiple buyers, leading to legal battles, financial losses, and in some cases, deadly conflicts.
One of the most disturbing aspects of land grabbing in Delta is the violence that often accompany it. Land disputes used to be settled through traditional means, with elders and community heads playing a key role in resolving such conflicts. But today, these land grabbers seem not to have respect for tradition or authority. Elders who try to intervene are often threatened or attacked, and courts, which should serve as the final arbiter, are disregarded by those who believe brute force is more effective than the law.
The recent killing of an 85-year-old woman at the meeting hall (Ogwa) of Idumugbe Village in Umuonaje Quarters, Asaba, is a tragic reminder of how dangerous land disputes have become. If people can be murdered so brazenly over land, then we are dealing with nothing less than terrorism. It is no surprise that the Asagba of Asaba, HRM (Prof) EphiphanyAzinge has taken a firm stand, warning that such violent acts will no longer be tolerated in his kingdom.
However, Asaba is not the only community grappling with the scourge of land grabbing. Just last year, a heated dispute erupted between the Ogwashi-Uku Kingdom and Otulu, both in Aniocha South Local Government Area of Delta State, with each side accusing the other of illegal land seizure. Similarly, the Ogbe-Ozoma Quarters of Okpanam in Oshimili North Local Government Area has suffered violent attacks by suspected land grabbers, prompting the Inspector-General of Police to launch an investigation.
In some instances, entire villages have been forcefully taken over by unscrupulous individuals who deploy armed thugs to intimidate rightful landowners. The crisis in Okuama and Okoloba is a prime example, rooted in the deepening issue of land grabbing by settlers. The situation is dire, and if urgent action is not taken, more communities will inevitably fall prey to this growing menace.
Security agencies must wake up to their responsibilities. Too often, land grabbers operate with impunity because law enforcement agencies either look the other way or take sides due to financial inducements. This must stop. The government must ensure that security personnel do their jobs properly and promptly, arresting and prosecuting those involved in illegal land transactions and violence.
Additionally, people seeking to buy land must exercise extreme caution. It is essential to conduct thorough investigations before purchasing any property. Buyers should seek legal advice, verify ownership documents, and check whether the land is encumbered before making payments. Too many people have lost their money and even their lives because they failed to do due diligence.
Another issue that must be addressed is the reckless selling of ancestral land. Some communities are selling off vast portions of land without considering the future. If our forefathers had sold everything, where would this generation be today? Land is a heritage, and it must be preserved for future generations. Community leaders must be vigilant to prevent the indiscriminate sale of communal land, especially by those motivated solely by personal gain.
These acts become more worrisome when large portions of ancestral lands for farming are sold to strangers in the name of housing estates that seldom have buildings. This portends danger for indigenous people who may be displaced from their fatherland in no distant future.
The menace of land grabbing in Delta State is a ticking time bomb that must be defused immediately. We must all stand together to ensure that our land remains a blessing and not a curse.
