Delta State Government, yesterday, commenced the demolition of illegal structures on lands belonging to the Dennis Osadebay University, Anwai-Asaba.
The property around Musa Camp area were demolished by the State Taskforce on Recovery of Government Lands led by its Chairman, Chief Frank Omare.
The demolition of the property followed expiration of notice issued to the illegal property owners to vacate the land.
Speaking to journalists during the demolition exercise, Chief Omare who was flanked by members of the taskforce, said they were mandated by the state government to recover all the government’s lands illegally occupied by individuals or corporate bodies across the state.
Omare said: “Clearly, where we are now is the university’s land, and it is meant for the Faculty of Agriculture. More than 1000 persons have encroached on the land and built illegal structures amid all manner of illegal approvals.
“We gave them notice to vacate the land since five months ago. We were patient enough to go round informing them so that tomorrow they will not say they were not given enough notice.
“So, whatever you see here is a determination of the government of Delta State to bring about rule of law, and to respect the laws of the land because we cannot allow land grabbers to begin to sell all kind of lands.
“This is just a starting point because ‘the falling away of the yellow leaves is a warning to the green ones.’ At the Federal College of Education Technical, Asaba, those who have built there illegally, we are coming for them.
“Opposite Ughelli Township Stadium, we are also coming for them. Warri, Sapele, Agbor and Patani are also involved, so if you know you have built on the government’s land, please begin to pack out.”
He said nobody could blackmail the government with non issuance of notice. He said: “We gave them adequate information. We have had town hall meetings with them.
“We have been able to also get a few illegal approvals given out by the government’s officials on the government’s lands. It is satanic because you cannot get a building approval on a land belonging to the government. This is about the law, and we must protect the law.”
While cautioning land grabbers across the state to stay away from the government’s lands, Chief Omare said: “The task is enormous, and we have to be determined, and stay away from all temptations, blackmail and intimidation. We have gotten a lot of threat text messages.
“But, we are not worried because we are not doing it for our selfish benefit. Unfortunately, some government officials are aiding and abetting the land grabbers.
“Nobody is victimising anybody; we are only doing the right thing. So, when you want to buy any portion of land, please ask questions.”
He said ministry officials giving illegal approvals on the government’s lands have been identified and would be dealt with accordingly.
“Why we have been slow is because times are hard, building materials are expensive and costly, hence, we have held several town hall meetings to talk to them,” he added.
On complaints by the students living on the demolished property, Omare said their supposed landlords ought to have informed them, adding that some rogue landlords collected a year rent from some students just last week, even after they had been given notice to leave the area.
He said the university authority has provided alternative accommodation arrangements for such students.
Speaking further, he said: “Even if you are a commissioner in the state, if you build on the government’s land, we will not allow you because we are not selective.
“If you are selective, what will happen to the poor people and the less privileged, who are helpless? God will not allow that to happen; not under the leadership of Governor Sheriff Oborevwori; not under our watch because every responsible character in the government must respect the rule of law.”
Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Academics and Research, Dennis Osadebay University, Professor Robert Oghenedoro Dode, who also spoke to newsmen, said: “This is the first time I am seeing this level of impunity, where people encroach on not just the university but the government’s lands, and sell them to people to build massive structures.
“This is the university’s land meant for the Faculty of Agriculture, and we thank the government for doing the right thing.
“Some people claimed that the university sold the land to them and the Vice-Chancellor, Prof Ben Oghojafor has challenged those making such claims to come up with such evidences or take him to court.
“Let it be on record that Dennis Osadebay University has never or ever contemplated and will never give out a portion of the university’s land to anybody, either by sale or whatever.”
Also speaking, Deputy Vice Chancellor, Administration, Professor Chukwuji Christopher, advised illegal occupiers to relocate “because ab initio, there was no understanding between them and the university on the illegal structures on the land.”
He warned vendors and buyers to stay away from the government’s land, adding that, “Nobody can be greater than the government. Nobody is to be spared, and nobody is being spared today.”