The Chairman of Obio/Akpor Local Government Area, Hon. Gift Worlu, has stressed that any government that fails to protect lives and property risks losing its legitimacy, as he announced a renewed crackdown on land grabbing in the area.
Speaking to journalists on Thursday, Worlu reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to safeguarding residents and addressing the persistent challenge of illegal land acquisition across the council.
He disclosed that the local government has already initiated several legal and administrative measures, including filing petitions to higher authorities and engaging relevant security agencies to curb the menace.
Describing land grabbers as dangerous elements, the chairman accused them of fueling violence and criminal activities within communities.
Worlu further revealed that the matter has been escalated to key authorities, including the Rivers State Governor, the State House of Assembly, the Commissioner of Police, the Inspector-General of Police, and the National Assembly.
According to him, the issue is currently before the House of Representatives Committee on Public Petitions, which has ordered a halt to all activities on disputed lands in the area. However, he lamented that some perpetrators have continued their operations in defiance of the directive.
In a decisive move, the council boss announced plans to commence the demolition of illegal structures erected by suspected land grabbers, beginning with fences on disputed lands.
He advised individuals involved in land disputes to present their cases before the local government’s land committee, chaired by Chief Alex Wele, for proper resolution.
