FOR far too long, land grabbers and illegal occupants have treated Delta State’s government property as their fiefdom, brazenly encroaching on public lands without consequence. These lands—vital public assets inherited from the now-defunct Bendel State Government after the creation of Delta and Edo States in 1991—are not abandoned territories for unlawful seizure. They are meant for development, for the benefit of the people, not for greedy individuals seeking to exploit them for personal gain.
The Delta State Government has now drawn a firm line in the sand, signalling the end of this rampant lawlessness. Recent actions speak volumes. In 2024, illegal structures on Dennis Osadebay University land in Asaba were swiftly demolished, despite repeated warnings to offenders. This was not an isolated case. The Taskforce on Recovery of Government Lands, under the direct orders of Governor Sheriff Oborevwori, has extended its operations well beyond the state capital. Reclamations have taken place in Warri, Ughelli, Isoko, Agbor, Patani, and Ibusa, sending an unambiguous message: the state will leave no stone unturned in recovering every square inch of stolen land, irrespective of how long it has been seized.
In an even bolder move, the state government is utilizing these reclaimed lands for public development, breathing new life into spaces once hijacked by opportunists. A flagship project, the Asaba Waterfront City, launched in early 2025, is a testament to the government’s unwavering resolve to not only recover its stolen property but also transform these assets into public goods that will benefit the people. The construction of access roads has already begun, and this ambitious project will undoubtedly reshape the city’s infrastructure, unlocking economic opportunities and improving the living standards of residents.
The State Government’s stance could not be clearer—trespassers will no longer operate with impunity. Those who have unlawfully occupied these lands will not only face eviction but will also bear the financial burden of reclamation and face the full force of the law. As the state’s spokesperson Hon. Charles Aniagwu recently made abundantly clear, the era of mismanaging public assets is over. The government will reclaim every inch of land, regardless of how long it has been stolen.
We commend the government for taking this courageous and necessary step. This is not merely about reclaiming stolen land—it is about reaffirming the rule of law, safeguarding public resources, and ensuring that government assets are used for the collective good, not the selfish interests of a few. This bold move is long overdue and sends a resounding message to land grabbers and lawbreakers alike: the state will no longer turn a blind eye to their activities.
However, the government’s commitment must transcend words. The time for action is now. It is not enough to merely reclaim land; the government must ensure that this is not a one-off exercise but a sustained effort to eliminate land encroachment and bring an end to the culture of illegal occupation. Proactive surveillance and monitoring must become the standard. For every piece of encroached land discovered, there are likely countless others that have yet to be uncovered. The government must not wait for the damage to be done before acting.
The agencies responsible for land management in the state must be fully empowered, properly equipped, and held to the highest standard of accountability. Their duty is not just to recover stolen land, but to prevent future encroachments by identifying and dismantling the criminal networks that facilitate these illegal land grabs. A robust, proactive system of vigilance and enforcement must be established to protect these assets from further abuse.
We also call on land developers to be vigilant. They must ensure that every piece of land they acquire is properly verified, and its ownership status thoroughly checked. Those who choose to turn a blind eye to the government’s efforts to protect its land will soon face the consequences of their negligence. The days of turning a quick profit at the expense of the public good are coming to an end.
The state government has made its stance clear—it is time to reclaim what is rightfully the people. But to truly restore order and justice, this effort must not be a fleeting initiative but a sustained, rigorous campaign against illegal land occupation. The time for inaction has passed; Delta can no longer afford to tolerate this lawlessness. This is not just about restoring property; it is about restoring integrity, accountability, and a firm belief in the rule of law. The people of Delta State deserve no less.
