Ajogbo Akia community cries out against land grabbers and destruction of farms

Residents of Ajogbo Akia in Ado-Odo, Ogun State, are raising alarm over what they call a violent invasion by suspected land grabbers. They say these hoodlums are destroying their farmlands, leaving them scared and unable to earn a living.

In interviews on Tuesday with PUNCH Metro, residents reported that the invaders attacked their ancestral land, damaged crops, and threatened anyone who tried to resist.

Joel Asade, a local resident, shared that he woke up to find hoodlums in their community, destroying farms and plantations without any reason. This made people think they were land grabbers.

“For about five generations, our forebears acquired the lands, which they have held onto since then; we suddenly saw land grabbers bringing confusion and claiming ownership of the land.

“They are destroying the crops we cultivate on our land and ruining everything. We have already taken this matter to the law enforcement agents so that they can rescue us.”

Community leader Solomon Bankole expressed shock at the invasion, saying the town had known peace since it was formed. He pointed out that if they were forced out, they would have nowhere else to go.

“They suddenly came into town, and they started destroying everything, cutting palm trees, clearing farms, which is not supposed to be the case. A town that has laws.

“This place belongs to us! This is the town we know, and we don’t have anywhere to go. Governor Dapo Abiodun, President Bola Tinubu, and the police should come to our aid,” he said.

Dr Oluwasegun Adebiyi, the Baale and traditional ruler of Ajogbo Akia, called the situation an attack on a peaceful community. He said they have lived in harmony on this land for generations.

“We have existed in peace and harmony for centuries in this area. We have always held and maintained peaceful possession of our ancestral land.

“Suddenly, we are experiencing devastating violence and aggression against our people. The havoc caused to my people cannot be quantified in terms of emotional pain and psychological trauma, apart from the enormous financial losses.”

Adebiyi also claimed that some community members received threats from the invaders.

“They have allegedly made heavy and direct threats to eliminate whoever stands in their way. Our people are now living in fear. We cannot go to our farms or conduct our normal activities.

The traditional leader urged the state government and relevant authorities to help them.

Attempts to get a comment from Ogun State Police Public Relations Officer, Babaseyi Oluseyi, were unsuccessful as he had not responded to inquiries sent on Tuesday by the time this report was filed.