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Land grabbers displace over 2000 residents including women, children in Lagos

Published

5 years ago

March 16, 2022

Over 2000 residents of Okegun-Museyo in Ibeju-Lekki local government area of Lagos state on Monday send a Save Our Soul, SOS to Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, and Speaker, Lagos State House of Assembly, Mudashiru Obasa calling on the duo to rescue them from land grabbers who have encroached their lands.

The residents including children, women and youths in a peaceful protest in Alausa called on Lagos State Government to intervene in the unlawful demolition of their houses by an Estate Agency, DPKay Homes and Property.

They defied the scorching sun, rather armed themselves with placards with various inscriptions appealing to the governor, Speaker, House of Assembly, Mudasiru Obasa, as well as the Senator representing Lagos East senatorial district, Tokunbo Abiru, and others to help stop the demolition and return their land to them.

With different inscriptions, the residents lamented that the company has imposed untold pain in the community since the incidence started in February 2022.

This ugly situation according to the residents has been a reoccurrence incidence where thousands of residents would be rendered homeless by land grabbers who come under the guise of government.

The property owners, who had lived for over 12 years in the community, grading roads and developing other facilities through self-help, were surprised after the land grabbers stormed the community and claimed that the land belong to them.

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Speaking to some of the children and women, they lamented that, since the incidence happened, they can no longer to school while the mothers could not go about their daily business.

One of the residents, Barrister Wilfred, lamented explained that, over 2,000 people including women and children live in that area and they have been making efforts to regularize their property documents with the State government.

“We legally procured the land from the government and we were told by New Town Development Agency, NTDA that our land was not allocated by the government to anybody and we were given documents to prove it. Our community is duly registered both in Lagos and as a CDA.

“Prior to the ban placed on community excision by former governor Akinwunmi Ambode, the residents had begun processing regularization of the land and immediately the ban was lifted by the incumbent Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, the community had began processing the excision in Alausa and has been there for three years.

“Some people that masqueraded themselves as Alausa men came over and told us that the place belongs to Aiyetoro Scheme and it is the government’s property.

As a lawyer, “I know that the community does not belong to the government, we know it has not been excised yet but the process is on at Alausa where our application is being processed by the government.

“We are peaceful Lagosians, if they want to displace us now, where do they want us to go? Where will our women and children go?, he lamented.

The land grabbers claimed they are Itunu Residential Estate in ties with DPKay Homes. They have encroached into our land, with claims that they are from the government but were not able to produce any legal document upon request rather they have gone ahead with demolitions.

Some of the property owners were said to be hospitalised after watching the hoodlums, brought by the alleged land grabbers, demolish their structures which they erected with proceeds gotten over the years from petty businesses they engage in.

As gathered, some of the residents were widows who erected the building from the gratuity paid to their husbands after their demise, basically to prevent paying rents daily, which could have taken a large chunk of the money.

Another resident, former CDA chairman, Kolawole Ojo, who displayed documents indicating the government approvals, said that the community does not exist in isolation, saying the Lagos State government recognises that the Okegun-Museyo community is in existence.

Speaking with the residents, it was gathered that prior to the demolition, there was no presentation of a court injunction and there were claims from the DPKay agents that they legally procured the land from the government; according to them, they were told by NTDA that their land was not allocated by the government to anybody and was given a paper to prove it. They hammered on the fact that their community is duly registered both in Lagos and as a CDA.

The Community Development Association (CDA) chairman, Adedeji Adeagbo, described their situation as traumatising, disclosing a landlord has landed in the hospital after she was told that her house has been demolished.

He added that they have embarked on the process that the government indicated was necessary for property owners to wade off land grabbers from any property procured from the community.

“We have done the charting and a document was received indicating that the land was not acquired by the Lagos State Government and that it has not been bought over by anyone before we all purchased it.

Addressing the protesters, the Chairman, House Committee on Lands, Richard Kasumu, commended the protesters for conducting themselves in a peaceful way to achieve their aim.

“We sympathise with you over the demolition of your properties by some people in the state. Going forward, we can assure you that no one in Lagos State intimidates another person. The Lagos State Government will not allow that; we can assure you of that.

“To ensure justice on this issue, we will be inviting all parties attached to the issue and ensure that everyone that needs to get justice received it”, the chairman added.

Also, the chairman, House Committee on Finance, Rotimi Olowo, said: “As your representative, we will ensure that no one cheats you and that is why we have decided that call all parties to stop land grabbing in Lagos”.

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Related Topics:Featured Lagos Land grabbers Residents

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Five Injured as 40-Foot Truck Rams Two Buses on Lagos-Ibadan Expressway

Published

3 hours ago

October 13, 2026

Trends Admin

Five Injured as 40-Foot Truck Rams Two Buses on Lagos-Ibadan Expressway

Five people have sustained serious injuries after a 40-foot truck crashed into two commercial buses around Ojodu-Berger on the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway in Lagos State.

The accident reportedly occurred at about 1:45 p.m. on Tuesday, October 13, 2026, near the Berger Pedestrian Bridge, inward Kara Bridge, causing significant traffic congestion along the busy highway.

The Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA) said the truck, identified as a 40-foot HOWO vehicle, collided with an interstate commercial Mazda bus and a Toyota Hiace bus, both carrying passengers.

According to the agency, its operatives stationed around the Ojodu-Berger axis responded to the crash and rescued five seriously injured people, comprising three women and two men, including a driver.

The victims were taken to the Lagos State Emergency and Trauma Centre at Toll Gate for medical assessment and treatment. Motorists assisted in transporting the injured, accompanied by LASTMA officials, while police officers from the Isheri Division also supported the rescue operation.

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The collision triggered a traffic backlog extending towards Otedola Bridge, disrupting movement along the expressway, which connects Lagos with Ogun State and other parts of the South-West.

LASTMA officials managed traffic around the affected area and worked to remove the damaged vehicles from the carriageway to prevent further incidents and restore normal movement.

The vehicles involved, including the truck, were subsequently handed over to the police for investigation into the circumstances surrounding the crash. The precise cause of the collision had not been established in the available reports.

LASTMA urged operators of heavy-duty vehicles to ensure their trucks were properly maintained and roadworthy before travelling. The agency also advised drivers to observe speed limits, comply with traffic regulations and follow instructions from traffic officials, particularly along busy highways.

The incident adds to a series of serious road crashes involving heavy-duty vehicles reported on Lagos roads in recent weeks, renewing concerns about vehicle safety and the risks posed by collisions involving trucks and passenger buses.

Motorists travelling through Ojodu-Berger, Kara Bridge and the Otedola axis were advised to exercise caution and anticipate delays while traffic officials managed the aftermath of the crash.

Five Injured as 40-Foot Truck Rams Two Buses on Lagos-Ibadan Expressway

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VIDEO: Outrage as Indian National Assaults Nigerian Truck Drivers in Lagos

Published

11 hours ago

October 13, 2026

Trends Admin

VIDEO: Outrage as Indian National Assaults Nigerian Truck Drivers in Lagos

A viral video showing an Indian national allegedly assaulting two Nigerian truck drivers at a company’s premises along the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway has sparked outrage, with transport stakeholders demanding justice and calling for an investigation.

The incident reportedly occurred on Saturday, October 10, 2026, at the premises of Karma Agric Feed & Foods Ltd, around Km 12 of the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway, opposite the old Ratcoc Quarry. The footage circulated widely on social media on Monday, October 12.

The two transport workers were identified as Rilwan Olajide, a truck driver, and Taiwo Yinusa, his motor boy. The video appears to show a confrontation between the drivers and individuals at the company’s premises, with the disagreement reportedly involving truck keys and a demand for demurrage compensation.

The situation allegedly escalated when a man identified in media reports as an Indian national struck one of the drivers with a stick. Another worker appeared to be restrained by other individuals and kicked while on the ground.

However, the full circumstances leading to the confrontation remain unclear, and the allegations have yet to be conclusively established.

The Association of Maritime Truck Owners (AMATO) condemned the alleged assault, describing the reported treatment of the workers as unacceptable. The association said the available video footage and other materials raised concerns about the alleged involvement of individuals connected with the company.

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AMATO stressed that disagreements over payments, truck keys or other commercial matters should be resolved through lawful means rather than violence or intimidation. It also emphasised that every person in Nigeria is entitled to dignity and protection under the law, regardless of nationality or occupation.

The association called on the relevant police authorities to conduct a thorough and impartial investigation, preserve available evidence and identify everyone involved. It urged the authorities to prosecute anyone found culpable in accordance with the law.

AMATO also appealed to the management of Karma Agric Feed & Foods Ltd to cooperate with investigators and take appropriate steps to prevent a recurrence. It maintained that accountability should be based on the actions of individuals and should not be used to stigmatise Indian nationals generally.

In a separate response, the Lagos State Trucks and Cargo Committee (LASTCOC) reportedly directed truck owners and drivers to suspend the delivery and collection of consignments to and from the company pending further action over the incident.

The directive could affect cargo movement involving the company while transport operators await the outcome of efforts to address the allegations. LASTCOC also warned that operators who disregarded the directive could face sanctions.

The reported suspension underscores the growing tension between transport stakeholders and the company following the circulation of the video.

The incident has renewed concerns about the safety and treatment of Nigerian truck drivers and motor boys, who play a critical role in moving goods across the country. Transport stakeholders have insisted that workplace and commercial disputes must be handled through established procedures, with violence and intimidation investigated and addressed appropriately.

As of the latest available reports, there was no confirmed public announcement of an arrest or a formal police finding on the incident. The company’s response was also not available. The allegations therefore remain subject to investigation, and the responsibility of each person involved must be determined through due process.

VIDEO: Outrage as Indian National Assaults Nigerian Truck Drivers in Lagos

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$1bn Arms Fund: Buratai Challenges Defence Ministry to Account for Money

Published

12 hours ago

October 13, 2026

Trends Admin

Former Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Tukur Buratai (retd.)

$1bn Arms Fund: Buratai Challenges Defence Ministry to Account for Money

Former Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Tukur Buratai (retd.), has challenged the Ministry of Defence to explain how the $1 billion approved for military equipment procurement during his tenure was spent, insisting that neither he nor the Nigerian Army, Navy and Air Force handled the funds.

Buratai made the demand on Monday at the third conference of the Defence Correspondents Association of Nigeria (DECAN) in Abuja, where he called for greater transparency in Nigeria’s defence spending and accountability for public funds allocated to national security.

The retired army chief said the National Economic Council (NEC) approved the $1 billion for defence procurement, but the money was released to the Ministry of Defence, which he said managed the procurement process.

“Not a single dollar of that fund passed through my hands or through the accounts of the Nigerian Army, Navy, or Air Force,” Buratai said.

He maintained that the armed services did not receive any portion of the money to initiate procurement directives, arguing that responsibility for explaining how the funds were disbursed and which contracts were awarded rested with the ministry that managed them.

Buratai described allegations surrounding the money as “political and malicious”, saying they first emerged during the 2019 general election period, when opposition figures alleged that the funds had been diverted for political purposes.

According to him, the Federal Government publicly denied the allegation at the time, but the controversy continued to damage the reputations of military service chiefs.

He faulted the Ministry of Defence for failing to publicly provide a detailed account of the disbursements and contract awards, insisting that accountability should rest with the institution responsible for managing the funds.

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“The $1 billion arms procurement controversy festered because the institution that managed the funds, the Ministry of Defence, remained silent while Service Chiefs absorbed criticism,” he said.

Buratai called for the establishment of a Defence Procurement Transparency Portal to publish information on contracts awarded, contractors and delivery timelines, subject to legitimate national security restrictions.

He said the proposed platform would help the public understand how defence procurement funds were utilised without exposing sensitive operational information.

“When the media asks where the money went, the answer should come from the ministry that spent it, not from military officers who never touched it,” he said.

The former army chief also called for quarterly accountability bulletins summarising court-martial outcomes involving alleged human rights violations and operational misconduct.

He said such disclosures should protect the rights of accused personnel and avoid compromising ongoing military operations.

On allegations of human rights violations by security personnel, Buratai said credible complaints should be investigated and prosecuted where evidence substantiated wrongdoing.

“The military is not above the law,” he said, stressing the need for transparent disciplinary procedures capable of addressing misconduct at all levels.

At the same conference, former Senate President and Chairman of the Senate Committee on Defence, Ahmad Lawan, called for more predictable funding for the Armed Forces and other security agencies.

Lawan proposed dedicating a portion of national revenue to defence and security spending, alongside making military and security agency budgets a first-line charge to reduce delays in releasing funds.

He argued that troops could not be expected to achieve better operational results without adequate weapons, equipment and other resources.

Lawan said the National Assembly had consistently supported executive requests for security funding, adding that improved funding arrangements could help the military procure equipment in bulk and plan operations more effectively.

Meanwhile, Minister of Information and National Orientation Mohammed Idris said military force alone could not resolve Nigeria’s security challenges.

Idris, represented by Voice of Nigeria Director-General Jibrin Ndace, said military operations needed to be supported by reliable intelligence, modern technology, coordination among security agencies and cooperation with local communities.

He said the Federal Government was pursuing military modernisation, improved surveillance and intelligence-led operations to address terrorism, banditry and other security threats.

Idris also disclosed that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu had directed the preparation of a comprehensive National Threat Assessment and a rolling five-year Strategic Defence Operations Plan in August 2026.

According to the minister, the initiatives were intended to establish security priorities, improve coordination and guide the deployment of resources.

He said the President had also approved salary increases of between 30 and 80 per cent for Armed Forces personnel, effective September 2026, to recognise their sacrifices and improve welfare.

Idris urged journalists to verify information and report responsibly on security operations, while emphasising that responsible reporting should not shield the government or security agencies from scrutiny.

He said the media must continue asking difficult questions and holding public institutions accountable while respecting legitimate operational sensitivities.

Buratai’s demand has renewed attention on the management of the $1 billion defence procurement fund, with the former army chief insisting that the Ministry of Defence should provide an account of how the money was spent. His remarks do not, on their own, establish that the funds were misappropriated.