Scores of Oghara indigenes in Delta State yesterday blocked the Warri-Sapele highway protesting against what they described as forceful and illegal acquisition of their land by the Nigerian Navy Logistic Command, Oghara, Delta State.
The protesters who were majorly youths and the aged came as early as 8am and blocked the expressway for hours, thus preventing free flow of traffic.
The ex-Governor James Ibori kinsmen alleged that the navy through their military might, forcefully occupied the land, measuring 600 X 600 hectares, stressing that series of representations made to the navy for a peaceful settlement or payment of compensation to the land owners failed. Consequently, they demanded that the military men should vacate their land, which they intend to build upon and use as farm lands and various other businesses.
“In 2006 when the Nigerian navy requested land for the construction of a barrack, a piece of land in the community which was initially meant for the Nigerian Mobile Force was traded to them and the police was relocated to Ogharefe.
But the navy have illegally acquired all lands and added more piece of land to the one allocated to them,” said the community in their statement which was read by Chief Stephen Egbivwre.
The embittered Oghara community members therefore pleaded with President Muhammadu Buhari to call the navy to order to ensure the continued sustenance of peace between them and the navy.
Reacting, the Flag Officer Commanding the Logistic Command, Nigerian Navy, Rear Admiral Begroy Iben-Enwo, said the navy is always at peace with the community, insisting that there was no intention of illegal acquisition of the land in dispute.
He explained that when the land in dispute was given to the navy, measuring 30 hectares, a representation was made to the Delta State government for additional land to build other things, and additional 234 hectares of land was approved.
According to him, certificate of occupancy was subsequently issued sometimes last year to authenticate the Navy ownership of the land.
