By Paul Akalonu
Land reclamation in Benin has resulted in the demolition of over 100 buildings in the communities of Irhirihi, Arougba, Obazagbon, and Ogheghe, resulting in a tussle between the All Progressives Congress and the Peoples Democratic Party in Edo State.
The APC accused the state government of lying behind the guise of developing a new town to take over the area in a statement issued on Monday, October 3rd by its chairman, David Imuse.
The party also questioned the state government’s claim that the area had been acquired by the government and renamed Ogba Forest Reserve over the years, but that it still issued Certificates of Occupancy to bonafide buyers.
Crusoe Osagie, Special Adviser to the Governor of Edo State on Media Projects, has slammed the APC state chapter for criticizing the government’s desire to halt land grabbing in the state.
He stated that the party and its leaders were terrified since they were the principal perpetrators in the unlawful operation and were fearful of being caught in the web as the exercise.
