Human rights activists, under the platform of Human Rights Action Watch (HRAW), have urged President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, and security agencies to rise in defence of innocent citizens in Lagos State who are being oppressed by land grabbers, saying that they should stop treating them with kid gloves.
The Executive Project Director of the group, Comrade Tunji Balogun, made the call on Tuesday at a news conference, noting sadly the threats to life and public peace by land grabbers in Ibeju-Lekki, Epe division of the state, and urging the government, the Inspector General of Police (IGP), Mr Kayode Egbetokun, the Department of State Service (DSS), and the National Security Adviser (NSA), Malam Nuhu Ribadu, to wipe away the tears of affected victims.
Speaking with newsmen at the press conference, which took place on Lagos Island, Balogun condemned the activities of one Saheed Mosadoluwa (Aka Ibile), whom he described as a notorious land grabber, saying that he had continued to wreak havoc brazenly in the Ibeju-Lekki and Epe axes of the state.
According to him, not only the property owners had suffered and were still counting losses, but artisans and workers working on some sites had so many pathetic stories to tell of the havoc of this land grabber and his violent touts, saying that Ibile had continued to act unlawfully above the law of the land and under protection by some security agencies at the detriment of the voiceless people.
He, therefore, called on the government and the security agencies to conduct a full criminal investigation against land grabbers in the state and all state actors conniving with them to wipe away tears from victims’ eyes
This was just as he sadly recalled that the notorious activities of the land grabber last Sunday led to the burning down of property belonging to one Esther Otsabomie, while her workers were also whisked away to a police station in Epe, and the latter was transferred to Abuja.
Besides, Balogun said that recently, a middle-aged bricklayer, Sodiq Kolapo,
was shot and killed by the land grabbers, and his corpse was taken away, saying that the wife of the deceased artisan was still in sorrow with three children.
Balogun warned that the atrocities of land grabbers could snowball into acts similar to terrorism in the near future if not swiftly managed.
“We shall appreciate a full investigation of all issues relating to the aforementioned crimes, such as criminal trespass on properties, particularly the unlawful demolition of Mrs. Esther Otsabomhe’s property on Sunday, March 17, 2024, among others.
“We shall appreciate your onward intervention for due diligence in investigation and prosecution in this regard,” he said.
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