Landlords are homeless as Delta demolishes illegal buildings in Asaba; See The numbers of Demolished Houses
Displacement and Despair: Delta State Demolishes Illegal Buildings in Asaba
By Matthew Ochei
Government’s Crackdown on Illegal Constructions Displaces Over 1,000 Residents
The Delta State Government recently carried out a large-scale demolition of buildings deemed illegal, located on government land in Asaba. This operation displaced more than 1,000 people and left many property owners in distress.
Demolition Day: June 21, 2024
On June 21, 2024, a task force equipped with five bulldozers descended on Anwai Road and 74 Road areas near Government House, Asaba. The sudden demolition targeted over 40 structures, including hotels, schools, warehouses, and residential buildings. Most residents were at work when the demolition started at 9 a.m., under the watchful eyes of security forces from the Army, DSS, Nigeria Police Force, and NSCDC.
Massive Losses
Properties worth billions of naira were destroyed. Many residents could not retrieve their belongings. Sympathizers helped salvage some items, while looters took advantage of the chaos. The scene was especially heartbreaking on Ogbueshi Juluga Avenue, where residents had lived for 15 years.
Land Grabbing Woes
Land grabbing has plagued Delta State for years, leading to severe consequences for many property owners. The sudden demolitions have caused significant emotional and financial distress.
A Deceived Community
Mr. Israel Eje, owner of Kobbiz Luxury Apartments and Hotel, recounted how the government had assured them their properties were safe after a meeting with several officials. Despite these assurances and a promise of a one-year regularization period, the demolitions proceeded without further notice.
Eje explained, “We have been here for 10 years with no warning about the land being government property. After a meeting, we were told to regularize our status. However, they demolished our homes without giving us a chance to remove our valuables. It feels like a betrayal.”
Educational Disruption
A school owner lamented the sudden destruction of her school while classes were in session. “My school and church were demolished without adequate notice. Over a hundred students were displaced. The timing is devastating, especially during the third term,” she said.
Legal Battles Ignored
A wine dealer named Mikado had two court injunctions against the demolition of his warehouse, but these were ignored. “Despite serving the injunctions, the task force demolished my warehouse, destroying goods worth billions of naira,” he tearfully shared.
Government’s Stance
Chief Frank Omare, Chairman of the Taskforce on Recovery of State Government Lands, led the demolition. He emphasized that the operation was part of a broader effort to reclaim government lands across the state, with no compensation for the displaced.
Omare stated, “This is a statewide effort to recover government lands. Those affected were aware, and no compensation will be provided. The government is targeting land grabbers who misled citizens.”
He dismissed allegations of a promised one-year extension as propaganda, insisting the demolition was necessary and justified.
Criticism and Concern
Mr. Emmanuel Isichei, an estate developer, criticized the government’s actions, describing the demolitions as insensitive given the economic hardships facing the country. “This is a clear demonstration of the government’s insensitivity to the current economic situation,” he said, highlighting the impact on vulnerable citizens.
Moving Forward
The Delta State Government’s demolition campaign continues to stir controversy and hardship. As the task force expands its operations to other areas, the affected residents remain in a state of shock and uncertainty, grappling with the loss of their homes and livelihoods.
