The Ebonyi State Government has issued a strong warning against the illegal occupation of Development Centre lands and other government-owned properties across the state, declaring that offenders risk prosecution if they fail to vacate the affected areas.
The Commissioner for Lands and Survey, Dr. Matthew Nwobasi, gave the warning during a meeting with coordinators of the state’s 64 Development Centres held at the Ministry’s headquarters in Centenary City, Abakaliki.
According to the commissioner, several government-owned lands designated for Development Centres have been illegally encroached upon. He directed all individuals occupying such lands without authorization to immediately vacate the properties or face legal consequences.
Nwobasi emphasized that Development Centres were created through state legislation and remain under the authority of the Ebonyi State Government, not local government councils. He explained that coordinators are expected to hand over all government assets and responsibilities to their successors at the end of their tenure, unless the state government provides a different directive.
To strengthen the protection of public assets, the commissioner instructed coordinators whose Development Centre lands have not yet been surveyed to carry out the exercise without delay. He also directed them to submit copies of their survey plans to the Ministry of Lands and Survey for proper documentation.
He disclosed that the ministry will soon begin inspections across all Development Centres to assess the level of encroachment and ensure compliance with government directives.
Nwobasi warned that any coordinator who fails to take adequate steps to safeguard government lands from illegal occupation would be regarded as working in collaboration with encroachers.
He further urged coordinators whose surveyed lands have already been taken over by unauthorized occupants to begin immediate recovery efforts in partnership with the ministry.
Also speaking, the Ebonyi State Surveyor-General, Surv. Dr. John Igbede, stressed that clearly mapped and properly demarcated Development Centre boundaries are essential for maintaining peaceful relationships between host communities, government agencies, and other stakeholders.
He recalled that communities voluntarily donated land when the Development Centres were established but noted that continuous encroachment has gradually reduced the size of many of the properties.
Igbede called for accurate boundary demarcation and comprehensive land mapping to prevent future disputes and safeguard government-owned lands across the state.
Some Development Centre coordinators, including Hon. John Nwofoke of Abakaliki Development Centre, Hon. Chukwuemeka Ali of Ishielu West Development Centre, and Engr. Okoronkwo Ozioma Raphael of Okposi Development Centre, commended the state government for the initiative. They also appealed to the Ministry of Lands and Survey to assist in reclaiming lands that have been illegally occupied.
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