- By Monsurat Aina
Tension flared in Eredo Community, located in the Obafemi-Owode Local Government Area of Ogun State, as rival groups of alleged land-grabbers engaged in a heated confrontation over a disputed parcel of land, narrowly avoiding a violent crisis.
The incident has left residents in fear and turmoil, prompting urgent calls for intervention from the Ogun State Government and relevant security agencies.
The traditional head of the community, Chief Rasak Amujara, accused two prominent individuals, Samson Sodeinde (aka Eleda) and Ajibola Johnson of Young Agro Limited, of orchestrating the unrest through the deployment of armed thugs and the use of forged documents to unlawfully claim community lands.
Chief Amujara alleged that the suspects falsely claim government backing, deceiving unsuspecting landowners under the guise of “overriding public interest,” while illegally reselling lands to private buyers, including foreign nationals.
“We are living in fear. They threaten us, displace genuine landowners, and drive away farmers from their livelihoods. We urge His Excellency, Governor Dapo Abiodun, to act swiftly to restore peace and protect the innocent,” Chief Amujara stated.
A female resident who requested anonymity shared her ordeal, revealing she had purchased multiple acres of land legally, only to be forcefully evicted.
“I have reported to the police, but I live in fear. This situation could spark a full-blown communal crisis,” she said.
Community stakeholders, including Alhaji Mukaila Amao, echoed similar concerns, warning that the situation, if not addressed, could escalate into violence akin to the land-related conflicts witnessed in other volatile regions of the country.
The people of Eredo are now placing their hope in the state government to act decisively against the alleged criminality, protect lawful landowners and restore law and order.
