Obio/Akpor Local Government Declares War On Land Grabbing In Rivers State

OBIO/AKPOR, RIVERS STATE — The Chairman of Obio/Akpor Local Government Area, Hon. Dr. Gift Worlu, has warned that any government which fails to protect the lives and property of its citizens risks losing its legitimacy.

Speaking to journalists on Thursday, Dr. Worlu stressed that safeguarding residents remains the cornerstone of his administration’s mandate, particularly in the face of rising cases of land grabbing.

He disclosed that the council has pursued multiple legal and administrative measures, including formal petitions to relevant security agencies and higher authorities, to curb the menace.

Dr. Worlu described land grabbers as dangerous elements whose activities often fuel violence and criminality within communities.

According to him, the matter has been escalated to Governor of Rivers State, the Rivers State House of Assembly, the Commissioner of Police, the Inspector-General of Police, and the National Assembly.

The issue is also before the House of Representatives Committee on Public Petitions, which had previously directed that all activities on the disputed lands be halted immediately.

Despite these interventions, the chairman lamented that the perpetrators have continued their operations in clear defiance of official directives.

In a firm response, Dr. Worlu announced that the local government will commence demolition of illegal structures, beginning with fences built by suspected land grabbers on disputed sites.

He warned that similar demolition exercises would be extended to other affected communities, including Rumuodomanya, Rumuolumeni, Rumuokoro, Eliozu, Iriebe, Rumuokwurusi, Choba and Rumuigbo.

The chairman cautioned residents against indulging in fraudulent land transactions and urged them to strictly follow due process in property acquisition.

He further advised those with ongoing land disputes to present their cases before the council’s land committee, chaired by Chief Alex Wele, for amicable and lawful resolution.

NaijaChoice News reports that this crackdown underscores the determination of local authorities in Rivers State to restore sanity and protect legitimate landowners amid persistent threats.

The decisive stance by the Obio/Akpor leadership highlights the critical need for sustained collaboration between government tiers to end land-related impunity and safeguard public trust.