Edo State Takes Action Against Land Encroachers

The Edo State Geographic Information Service (EDOGIS) has warned individuals and community leaders against illegal sales and encroachments on government-owned lands, including school properties and reserves. Managing Director Dr. Innocent Bello announced this during an interactive session with journalists in Benin City.

He stated that the agency would remove illegal structures on public land and emphasized the need to protect government property from unauthorized occupation. While genuine cases may be considered for regularization, those who build illegally will face legal consequences.

Bello revealed that EDOGIS uncovered several irregularities while reviewing over 3,500 applications for Certificates of Occupancy (C-of-O) from the previous administration, including forged documents and multiple claims over parcels of land. He noted that more than half of these applications had significant deficiencies.

So far, over 1,000 applications have been processed and forwarded to Governor Monday Okpebholo for approval. EDOGIS has also suspended approvals to restore integrity to the land administration process and is deploying digital technology to combat land-related fraud.