Army Vows to Demolish Illegal Structures on Encroached Barracks Land
The Nigerian Army has warned that it will begin demolishing structures built illegally on its land in Oghede and Iyanomo communities in the Ovia North East Local Government Area of Edo State.
The 4 Brigade, Nigerian Army, issued the warning over what it described as continued encroachment on its property, despite earlier agreements reached with the communities. It specifically accused the Enogie of the area, Osazebare Aghahowa, of encouraging the illegal occupation and sale of military land to developers and private individuals.
According to a statement by the Acting Assistant Director of Army Public Relations, Capt. Polycarp Oteh, the land was lawfully acquired by the Army in 1966 and certified by the Edo State Government with a Certificate of Occupancy issued in 1994.
The Army expressed dismay that efforts to resolve the dispute peacefully had been ignored. It said that although the community had earlier opted for an out-of-court settlement after realizing their legal claims had no merit, local leaders have gone on to violate the terms of that resolution.
Read also:Â Lagos Governor Encourages Youths to Join Army
The statement noted that land within the barracks, some of it designated for military training and live firing exercises, has continued to be sold to estate developers and hoteliers, posing serious safety risks.
It also accused the Enogie of attempting to mislead the public by circulating a forged document claiming the Army had handed over the land to the community.
The Army said it is now left with no choice but to take firm action to protect its property and ensure public safety, warning that all illegal structures on the land may be removed. It stressed that the land in question remains legally owned by the Nigerian Army and that any further encroachment will be met with consequences.
