The Ogun State House of Assembly has passed a resolution calling for an immediate investigation into alleged military incursion into communities in Ijebu North-East Local Government Area of the state.
The resolution, passed on Wednesday, followed a presentation by Mr. Oluseun Adesanya, the lawmaker representing Ijebu-North East State Constituency, who raised the issue as a matter of urgent public importance.
According to Adesanya, military personnel from Ilese Army Barracks had invaded Apunren and Idile communities in his constituency and were terrorizing residents under the pretext of owning an expanse of land in the area. He called for immediate action to protect residents of the affected communities, including Isoyin, Itele, and Orihu.
Supporting Adesanya's claims, Samsideen Lawal, representing Ogun Waterside State Constituency, confirmed that some indigenes of his constituency residing in Ijebu North Local Government were also affected by the invasion.
The resolution was moved by Majority Leader Yusuf Sheriff, seconded by Minority counterpart Lukman Adeleye, and received unanimous support from all lawmakers present.
Speaker Oludaisi Elemide described the situation as a serious cause for concern, particularly given the existence of the State Anti-Land Grabbing Law of 2016, which was specifically enacted to address such challenges.
"This resolution seeks to conduct a comprehensive investigation to determine the extent and legality of the military's activities in the affected areas," Elemide stated.
The Assembly has urged all concerned parties, including representatives of the Nigerian Army, State Surveyor-General, Director-General of Lands, relevant officials of the Bureau, community leaders, and state government representatives, to meet with the House Committee on Lands and Housing to resolve the matter.
The Speaker has also specifically invited the Director-General in charge of Bureau of Lands and the State Surveyor-General for an immediate meeting with the House Committee on Lands and Housing to address the situation.
This development highlights ongoing tensions between military establishments and local communities over land ownership in various parts of Nigeria, raising questions about proper documentation and respect for community rights.
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