By Yusuf Ozi Usman
Kogi state central senatorial zone has pleaded to the federal government to intervene in the land grabbing from its territory by the authorities of Edo state.
In a release issued by a Youth leader, Shaibu Stephen Ojate, the Kogi central explained that a portion of land in Okene Local Government of Kogi state, which share boundary with Okpella was recently appropriated by the authorities of Edo state.
According to the Kogi central, Ebira people of kogi state who have inhabited the area for over 200 years were recently ordered to vacate the area by Edo state government to pave way for the siting of cement factory in the area.
It noted that the reason for the action of the Edo state might therefore not be unconnected with the discovery of large deposit of cement in the area.
“In deed, before now, it has never been in dispute as to the fact that the portion of land now being claimed by the Edo state government belonged to Kogi state central senatorial zone. We therefore wonder why Edo state government would bring bulldozers to demolish the houses and farms belonging to Ebira people in the area,” the senatorial zone said.
It recalled how a former chairman of Okene local government, in 2003 established a school for Ebira inhabitants in the area, wondering why Edo state would wake up suddenly to take over the land.
