Edo Govt Vows to Enforce New Anti-Encroachment Law, Recovers 500 Public Properties

The Edo State Government has vowed to strictly enforce its newly enacted Anti-Property Encroachment Law, warning that anyone found forcefully occupying or selling government-owned land or buildings will face prosecution.

The Chairman of the Edo State Public Property Protection Committee, Eugene Okoloise, disclosed this at a press briefing in Benin City, where he also revealed that the state had successfully recovered over 500 government properties within the past year.

According to Okoloise, the new law, recently signed by Governor Monday Okpebholo, prescribes up to 10 years’ imprisonment for individuals who violently or unlawfully take possession of public properties.

“Before now, there was no law empowering us to prosecute offenders. But now that the governor has signed this law, no excuse. Anyone caught will be prosecuted in accordance with the law,” he said.

He added that the state government has established a special court to handle cases of property encroachment and illegal sales, stressing that enforcement would be impartial and comprehensive.

“Anyone caught shall be prosecuted, no matter how highly placed. We are not going to spare anyone or treat anyone specially because of their status,” he warned.

Okoloise noted that the committee has launched a statewide public sensitisation campaign, engaging media organisations and conducting community-to-community awareness drives to educate residents about the new legislation and its penalties.

“We are going to sensitise the general public, including rural dwellers, that there is a new law against forceful entry into government property. Part of my plan is to go round media houses to inform and educate the people,” he said.

He reaffirmed the government’s commitment to reclaiming all illegally occupied properties, emphasizing that the law aims to protect public assets and ensure accountability in the state.

Opinion Nigeria News