Rita Enemuru, Reporting
THE Commissioner of Police, Delta State Command, CP Samuel Erale, has issued a stern warning against land grabbing and all forms of violence associated with land disputes across the State, particularly within the Amachai axis of Okpanam, Asaba, and other parts of Delta State.
In a statement released on Friday, the CP cautioned individuals, communities and groups against forcefully taking possession of disputed land, encroaching on property, intimidating lawful occupants, destroying property or engaging thugs to enforce purported claims of ownership.
The warning follows reports of land-related disputes degenerating into confrontations and acts capable of endangering lives and disturbing public peace.
The CP made it clear that no individual or group has the right to seize, occupy or take possession of land by force, irrespective of the claim being asserted. Similarly, he stressed that a claim of ownership, however strongly held, does not justify threats, violence or resort to self-help.
Persons contesting ownership, possession, boundaries or other interests in land are therefore advised to seek redress before a court of competent jurisdiction and allow the law to take its course.
The CP further warned persons who engage in land grabbing, forcible entry, threats to life, assault, malicious damage, intimidation or other criminal acts under the guise of asserting ownership that the command will not hesitate to take appropriate action against them.
While noting that the Police will not be drawn into determining title or ownership in purely civil land disputes, he directed Area Commanders and Divisional Police Officers across the State to respond promptly where such disputes involve criminality or threaten public peace, and to ensure that persons found culpable are dealt with in accordance with the law.
CP Samuel Erale, therefore called on landowners, developers, community and traditional leaders, youths and other stakeholders to exercise restraint and embrace lawful means of resolving land disputes.
He reiterated that no claim to land justifies violence, intimidation or a forceful takeover, and that no parcel of land is worth the loss of human life.
The Command remains committed to protecting lives and property and will not permit any individual or group to disturb the peace of the State under the guise of pursuing a land claim, the statement added.
