The Edo State Government, under the leadership of Governor Monday Okpebholo, has taken decisive action against illegal land takeovers and misuse of public facilities, sealing off a brothel discovered within a public primary school in Esan West Local Government Area.
Eugene Okolosie, who coordinates the Protection of Government Property in the state, made this known during a press briefing held in Benin City on Thursday.
He revealed that more than 2,000 encroached plots of land have been recovered as part of the ongoing enforcement campaign.
According to Okolosie, around 150,000 structures have been built on lands that rightfully belong to the government.
He advised individuals interested in acquiring property to seek proper verification through the Edo Geographic Information Service to avoid being defrauded by land speculators.
“Government assets, particularly schools, have been heavily encroached upon. About seven percent of the state’s historic moat has also been taken over,” he said.
He highlighted the situation at Ambrose Alli University, where a large portion of land had been wrongfully taken.
Following reports from residents about forged signatures used to claim the land, the government was able to reclaim a substantial part of it, including areas reserved for school use.
Okolosie also revealed that a brothel was illegally established within the premises of Ujuele Primary School.
The facility has since been sealed, and discussions are ongoing with Governor Okpebholo on the possible redevelopment of such recovered spaces.
In another disturbing case, members of a community in Iyoba reportedly split the land belonging to a school and sold part of it for private use.
“A kitchen was even constructed next to a classroom, which is completely unacceptable. How can students concentrate with the smell of cooking in their learning environment?” he asked. He added that those involved are under investigation and have been invited for questioning.
The agency has reportedly received over 3,000 petitions in the last two months from various communities complaining about illegal occupations of government property.
Okolosie assured that the state would continue its recovery efforts and ensure all offenders are held accountable.
He also praised Governor Okpebholo for providing legal backing to the agency, which has helped to speed up the enforcement and prosecution processes.
