Residents of Amagba community, alongside civil society groups and market women, on Wednesday staged a peaceful protest against the alleged illegal activities of some community leaders and the Okhaghele (youth leaders), accusing them of harassment and extortion of landowners.
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The protesters decried the practice of “double verification” of lands already covered by valid Certificates of Occupancy (C-of-O), describing it as a scheme designed to extort unsuspecting property owners. According to them, victims are compelled to pay sums ranging between ₦200,000 and ₦2 million. They further alleged that reporting the matter to the police often yields no result, as the perpetrators “always find their way around the system.”
Addressing the aggrieved community members on behalf of the Edo State Government, the Deputy Chief of Staff, Hon. Pius Alile, assured residents, developers, landlords and landladies that the state government remains committed to upholding the Private Property Protection Law.
He clarified that the law has not been jettison stressing that Governor Monday Okpebholo does not condone any form of illegality.
“The antecedents of His Excellency speak clearly he does not tolerate illegality. This matter will be looked into thoroughly, and decisive action will be taken by the Governor,” Hon. Alile stated.
He commended the protesters for channeling their grievances peacefully, urging them not to take the law into their own hands but to trust in government intervention.
