Delta State Demolishes 40 Buildings; See Numbers of Homeless Residents
Over 1,000 people were displaced on Friday as the Delta State Government demolished hotels, schools, and other buildings in the 74 Road and Anwai Road areas near Government House in Asaba.
Mr. Frank Omare, Chairman of the state Taskforce on Recovery of Government Lands, led the demolition and vowed to pursue those who deceived citizens into buying government-owned lands.
Omare stated that property owners had ample notice since the last demolition at Musa Camp in Asaba and warned illegal occupants on government lands across the state to vacate immediately. “We are currently focusing on the Asaba area but will soon move to Warri, Ughelli, Isoko, Agbor, Patani, Ibusa, and other regions. Governor Sheriff Oborevwori has instructed us to reclaim all government lands statewide,” he said.
Omare highlighted that various government agencies had informed residents that the land belonged to the government, but they ignored the warnings through successive administrations, from Kefas, Ibori, Uduaghan, and Okowa, to the current Oborevwori administration.
“We are seeking out the land grabbers and community leaders who misled vulnerable citizens into buying government land. Many of these individuals have fled, but the government is determined to hold them accountable. The suffering caused by their greed is intolerable, and the government must act,” Omare asserted.
He emphasized that the demolition was not personal but a defense of government policies. “This is not about Governor Sheriff Oborevwori or Chief Frank Omare; it is about enforcing government regulations. It is not targeted at any individual.”
Omare advised Delta residents to verify the status of properties before purchasing them. “Check thoroughly whether the property is on government land and remove your valuables because the government will eventually reach these areas.”
He mentioned that the government had presented official gazettes and Certificates of Occupancy to the public, emphasizing that no one could possess a counter Certificate of Occupancy. He dismissed allegations of the government granting property owners a one-year extension to regularize as mere propaganda.
Omare also acknowledged the presence of government insiders collaborating with land grabbers and assured that actions were being taken against them.
