Sammya Nigeria Limited Defends Land Ownership Amid Protests

A land dispute in Budo-Osho, Tanke area of Ilorin, Kwara State, has emerged between local residents and Sammya Nigeria Limited, an estate developer. Residents protested at the Kwara State Government House and the Bureau of Lands, alleging that Sammya Nigeria Limited claimed ownership of their properties and demolished their buildings.

In response, Sammya Nigeria Limited stated that it acquired the land from the Kwara State Government in 2018 and holds three Certificates of Occupancy for Phases 1, 2, and 3. Olatunji Idowu, the General Manager of Sammya Nigeria Limited, explained that the company sought assistance from the Bureau of Lands to identify structures encroaching on its titled land.

Following this, individuals occupying portions of the land were informed of their encroachment. When construction resumed, protests occurred, leading to a petition to the Commissioner of Police.

Idowu noted that security personnel prevented disruptions during construction, and individuals later attempted to damage the company's perimeter fence.