Residents of Ajogbo Akia, an agrarian community in Ado-Odo, Ogun State, have raised the alarm over what they describe as a violent invasion of their ancestral land by suspected land grabbers, alleging that the development has left families frightened and farmers unable to access their livelihoods.
The residents appealed to the Ogun State Government, security agencies and other relevant authorities to urgently intervene, warning that the situation could escalate if left unchecked.
According to the community, the suspected land grabbers invaded portions of their ancestral land, destroyed farmlands and plantations, and allegedly threatened those who attempted to resist them.
The residents said the invasion had disrupted life in the once-peaceful farming community, with many families now living in fear and unable to freely access their farms.
Among the crops allegedly destroyed are cassava, yam, maize, okra and other farm produce. They also alleged that several palm trees, some of which they said had stood for between 50 and 100 years, were cut down.
The Baale and traditional ruler of Ajogbo Akia, Chief Oluwasegun Adebiyi, described the situation as an assault on a community that had lived peacefully on the land for generations.
“We have existed in peace and harmony for centuries in this area. We have always held and maintained peaceful possession of our ancestral land.
“Suddenly, we are experiencing devastating violence and aggression against our people. The havoc caused to my people cannot be quantified in terms of emotional pain and psychological trauma, apart from the enormous financial losses.”
Chief Adebiyi further alleged that members of the community had received threats from those behind the reported invasion.
“They have allegedly made heavy and direct threats to eliminate whoever stands in their way. Our people are now living in fear. We cannot go to our farms or conduct our normal activities,” he said.
The community also expressed concern over reports that portions of the disputed land may have been sold to other individuals without the knowledge or consent of the community.
“We have reasons to believe that part of our land has been sold to other individuals. This is deeply disturbing to us, especially as members of the community who have lived peacefully on this land for generations were never consulted,” a community representative said.
The residents said they had reported the matter to the Ado-Odo Police Division and were directed to submit a formal petition, which they subsequently did.
They noted that they were yet to receive further communication on the matter.
“We reported the matter to the Ado-Odo Police and met with the DPO. We were asked to write a petition, and we complied.
“We requested that the police come to the village to see the damage firsthand. We were told that the alleged land grabbers would first be invited. Up till now, we have not heard anything further,” the community alleged.
“As peaceful and law-abiding citizens, we entrust our security and sovereignty to the government. We are appealing for protection of our lives and property and for urgent intervention before there is a total breakdown of law and order,” the community said.