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Land grabbing: Some traditional rulers will be sent to jail – Ondo AG
Ondo State Commissioner for Justice and Attorney-General, Dr Kayode Ajulo, has warned that any traditional rulers found culpable for land grabbing would be sent to jail.
Ajulo, who was reacting to the Anti-Land Grabbing Bill before the state House of the Assembly, told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Akure that some traditional rulers were behind cases of land grabbing.
“Government will not shy away from stepping on toes. I must confess, I like to speak my mind, that some of our traditional rulers have caused a lot of problems when it comes to issue of land grabbing.
“They may be in their palaces, but send people out to cause mayhem. Many a time, we see how they use cutlasses to cut each others heads.
“Anytime some Kabiyesi are being picked, with due respect, and sent to jail on this issue, nobody should complain.
“We know what is good and we know what is bad.
“The law is proposed to ensure legislative promulgation in addressing unlawful entry of landed property and violent conduct related to landed property,” he stated.
The commissioner said that Gov. Lucky Aiyedatiwa also recently signed an Executive Order to address the issue of land grabbing.
According to him, there is need to tackle the menace appropriately.
“Last week, the governor signed Executive Order 2024 to tackle the menace in Ondo State.
“Don’t be surprised, and I’m not a prophet of doom, many may be affected.
“Many investors want to come to Ondo State, but the first thing they ask about is the issue of land. Many lawyers can testify to this,” he said.
Ajulo also said that the government was also looking into disputes over land by some adjoining communities.
According to him, any community where there is crisis on land, government will start taking over such land so that such fights will stop.
The Attorney-General, who applauded the sponsor of the bill, Mr Moyinolorun Ogunwumiju, described the menace as worse than pocket-picking that was derided by members of public.
“We know how some lynch those that pick pockets, whereas land grabbing is worse than those that pick pockets.
“It’s a revolution that the House of Assembly is taking. We promise that we will follow it up as chief law officer of the state,” he promised.
Ajulo appreciated the Speaker of the House of the Assembly, Chief Olamide Oladiji, for collaborating with the state executive in moving the state forward. (NAN)
Zamfara State elders of the All Progressives Congress (APC) have lauded the Minister of State for Defence, Dr. Bello Matawalle, for his generosity in distributing over 100 cows to party members in celebration of Eid al-Fitr.
The distribution took place in Gusau, with APC State Chairman Hon. Tukur Umar Danfulani represented by the party’s Secretary, Hon. Ibrahim Umar Dangaladima, overseeing the process.
In a statement, the convener of the Zamfara APC Elders Forum, Dr. Mua’zu Haruna Gummi, praised Matawalle’s act, describing it as a demonstration of his commitment to the party and the people of Zamfara State.
“This gesture is not just about charity; it is a testament to Dr. Matawalle’s leadership, his concern for the well-being of our people, and his deep understanding of the values that bind us together as a community,” Gummi stated.
“At a time when unity and solidarity are crucial, he has stepped forward to remind us that true leadership is about service, about giving back, and about ensuring that no one is left behind.”
Gummi further described Matawalle as not only a political leader but also a father figure who prioritizes the needs of his people.
He called on party members to rally behind leaders like Matawalle, who are dedicated to the growth of the party and the development of Zamfara State.
Meanwhile, the Minister also urged Nigerians to continue praying for the country’s security forces as they intensify operations against armed groups, achieving notable successes.
He reaffirmed the Ministry of Defence’s commitment to implementing President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s directive to restore peace and stability in the region.
The Northern Elders Forum (NEF), on Saturday, issued a 14-day ultimatum to the Edo State Government and the Federal Government following the brutal mob attack that led to the killing of innocent Northern hunters in Uromi, Edo State.
The victims were reportedly returning home to celebrate the end of Ramadan and Eid Kabir with their families when they were attacked.
NEF spokesperson, Professor Abubakar Jika Jiddere, in a statement, condemned the killings as “barbaric, extra-judicial, and cowardly,” calling for urgent action to address the situation.
He said: “The North has tolerated numerous such animalistic and cannibalistic acts of recklessness from some Southern part of Nigeria in the past. This must come to an end.
“The North will take stringent action in response to this inhumane attack on its peace-loving people. Consequently, the NEF hereby demands the following immediate actions from the authorities in Edo State and the Federal Government.
“The swift recovery of the bodies of the victims and their dignified transfer to their families for an honorable and befitting burial in accordance with their respective faiths. The arrest and trial of all individuals responsible for the attack and the brutal killings of the innocent travellers.”
The forum also demands a public prosecution of the perpetrators and those that aided the crime to ensure full transparency and accountability.
He add, “The due payment of compensation to the families of the victims, in line with the prescribed standards of their respective faiths. An unreserved apology from the people and authorities of Edo State, with a commitment to ensuring that such barbaric behavior never occurs again.
“An unreserved apology from the Edo State Government to the North for this heinous attack on its people. The punishment of the perpetrators must be witnessed by the public to serve as a deterrent to any such future acts of violence.
“The NEF demands that the Edo State Government and the Federal Government take concrete and visible steps to fulfill these demands within fourteen (14) days from the date of this release. Failure to do so will compel the North to take all necessary actions to seek justice for her people and the North.
“The Federal Government must ensure that justice is served to the victims and their families to preserve peace, stability, and the peaceful coexistence of all Nigerians.”
The NEF urged Northern communities to remain calm and patient while it pursues the matter through the appropriate government agencies.
The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) yesterday stated that troops of Operation Delta Safe have sustained their operational tempo against crude oil thieves and other criminals in the Niger Delta, recording significant successes in their efforts to curb illicit activities in the region.
A statement by the Director of Defence Media Operations, Major General Markus Kangye, revealed that troops recovered a substantial quantity of stolen crude oil, illegally refined AGO, and PMS, totalling 392,174 litres, 138,757 litres, and 830 litres, respectively.
He stated that the troops also discovered and destroyed 29 crude oil cooking ovens, 31 dugout pits, 48 boats, 21 storage tanks, 18 drums, and 16 illegal refining sites.
Additionally, they recovered various items, including pumping machines, drilling machines, tricycles, motorcycles, mobile phones and four vehicles.
The operation, according to General Kangye, resulted in the arrest of 11 oil thieves and other criminals, with assorted arms and ammunition, as well as dynamites, also being recovered.
In related developments, troops conducted successful offensive operations, arresting six criminals, including a suspected kidnapping kingpin, and recovering a locally made pistol and live cartridges.
The Director also stressed that troops rescued two kidnapped hostages and recovered a vehicle during counter-kidnapping and anti-criminality operations in Ndokwa West LGA of Delta State.
These successes, he said, demonstrate the effectiveness of Operation Delta Safe in combating crude oil theft and other criminal activities in the Niger Delta.
Meanwhile, troops of Operation Udo Ka foiled planned kidnapping and terrorism attacks in Anambra, Imo, and Abia states, arresting several suspects and rescuing kidnapped victims.
According to Kangye, “On 20 and 21 March 2025, troops conducted offensive operations in Igbariam Local Government Area of Anambra State and Owerri Municipal Local Government Area of Imo State, resulting in the arrest of three suspected terrorists/kidnappers and the rescue of four attempted kidnapped victims.”
He stated that troops also recovered arms and ammunition, including several Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs) and live cartridges, as well as a vehicle and tricycle.
He said that troops arrested many extremists in Imo and Enugu states, recovering one pump-action gun, live cartridges, and some quantities of illicit drugs.
Additionally, troops rescued a kidnapped victim in Ukwa East Local Government Area of Abia State, arresting the suspects and recovering a locally made pistol and a tricycle.
Also, troops of Operation Hadin Kai recorded significant successes against ISWAP/JAS terrorists in the North-east region.
Kangye said that between 21 and 26 March 2025, scores of terrorists, including adult males, females, and children, surrendered to troops following intense military operations.
He revealed that troops also conducted offensive operations in various locations, including Konduga, Gwoza, and Bama, resulting in the neutralisation of several terrorists, the apprehension of others, and the rescue of kidnapped hostages.