By Peter Dansu A wave of demolition swept through Yafin community in Badagry Local Government Area on Monday, with bulldozers pulling down...
By Peter Dansu
A wave of demolition swept through Yafin community in Badagry Local Government Area on Monday, with bulldozers pulling down several uncompleted structures sitting on land said to belong to Senator Musiliu Obanikoro, a former Minister of Defence and ex-Senator of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
Badagry Today gathered exclusively that the disputed land, measuring about two hectares (approximately five acres), was originally allocated to Senator Obanikoro by the Lagos State Ministry of Agriculture under state acquisition. However, in recent years, portions of the property were encroached upon and allegedly sold to unsuspecting buyers by some natives.
Eyewitnesses confirmed that security operatives were on ground during the exercise to forestall violence or breakdown of law and order. The demolition, which began yesterday, is expected to continue today.
A reliable source, who spoke to Badagry Today on condition of anonymity, disclosed that the operation was ordered by a senior official of the Lagos State Ministry of Agriculture. “The land belongs to Senator Obanikoro. It was duly allocated to him by government. Unfortunately, some people began selling off parts of it illegally. That’s why this enforcement is taking place,” the source explained.
Checks by our correspondent further revealed that all the demolished buildings were still under construction and not yet roofed, meaning no residents were displaced in the process. Community leaders, including the traditional ruler of Yafin, were reportedly consulted before the demolition commenced. The Ọba was said to have confirmed that the land in question remains under government acquisition.
Meanwhile, tension is brewing in Yafin as some residents are already mobilizing for a peaceful protest against the demolition, even as Senator Obanikoro himself is expected to visit the community today.
Badagry Today will continue to monitor developments as the story unfolds.
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