Land grabbers invade Lekki residents’ estate, victims send ‘Save Our Soul’ message to Lagos Govt

Some suspected land grabbers on Friday, February 9, 2024, invaded a parcel of land which belongs to Lekki Residents Association (LERA), Lekki Phase One, in Eti-Osa Local Government area of Lagos State.

The parcel of land which is located along Admiralty Way, Lekki Peninsula Scheme 1, Lekki was said to have been allocated to the residents on September 7, 2006, by the Lagos State Government under the then administration of Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

LERA said after the allocation, it also went the extra mile by securing authorisation to commence works from the Lagos State Building Control Agency (LASBCA) on February 5, 2024.

It said that it was therefore a surprise for the residents on Friday afternoon as some hefty men alongside some uniform men invaded the parcel of land meant for recreational activities.

When accosted by journalists, one of the hefty looking men who refused to identify himself claimed that the invasion was on the order of one Hakeem Alobo.

The suspected land grabbers were seen moving trucks, sharp sand l, granite and planks to the site.

Meanwhile, the allocation letter made available to our correspondent by LERA stated clearly that the State Government does not allow permanent structures on the parcel of land.

As at the time of this report, some staffers at LERA Secretariat have been chased out by the hefty looking men.

LERA Chairman, Yomi Idowu who condemned the invasion in a chat with our correspondent said efforts to chase the hefty looking men out of the property were unsuccessful.

He urged Lagos State Government to checkmate land grabbing activities in the State.

“The parcel of land was allocated to us by the Lagos State Government for a recreational center . I don’t know the involvement of land grabbers in this. Lagos State Government should checkmate land grabbing activities to allow peace in this estate, “ he said.

“This is the property of Lekki Residents Association. The present governor also gave us the go-ahead to develop it into a park, and LASBCA gave us approval to commence construction based on that.
Report reaching the residents is that one Mr Alono Bakare ,who also leaves in the scheme, is behind the grabbing.” He added.