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Stakeholders in Anambra State have sounded the alarm, warning that the unchecked land grabbing in the state is poised to reach a boiling point, potentially triggering a crisis of unprecedented proportions that could overwhelm even the government’s capacity to respond.
A growing chorus of concern is being voiced by landlords and landowners, who claim that land grabbers are using deceit and manipulation to exploit weaknesses in the legal system and corrupt networks, allowing them to seize land from its rightful owners.
This menace, they caution, has far-reaching consequences, including the undermining of property rights, destabilization of communities, and a loss of public trust in governance.
With their voices growing louder, stakeholders caution that the unbridled actions of land grabbers threaten to undermine the very foundations of the legal system, creating an atmosphere of dread and uncertainty among landowners, where the rule of law is increasingly seen as ineffective.
To prevent the situation from reaching a tipping point, stakeholders are advising state authorities to adopt a robust approach, enforcing strict laws and regulations, and bringing perpetrators to book, to stem the tide of land grabbing and restore confidence in the system.
Mr. Anthony Okafor, a former member of the Anambra State legislature, has underscored the critical importance of protecting citizens’ rights and preserving social order, arguing that these factors are indispensable to the state’s ability to achieve lasting stability and prosperity.
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He revealed that land in some communities in the state was becoming a scarce commodity, adding that so many powerful people were swooping on people’s land without the government checking the trend. Okafor urged the state Governor, Prof. Chukwuma Soludo, to act on the findings of any White Paper resulting from panels of inquiry established by the state government.
In response to the escalating communal conflicts in Anambra State, which have resulted in loss of life and property destruction, Mr. Anthony Okafor has urged the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to publish the findings of its investigations into land grabbing activities in the state, in order to bring transparency and accountability to the process.
By making these reports public, Mr. Okafor believes that the disputing communities can gain a deeper understanding of the issues at hand, facilitating more effective dialogue and conflict resolution, and promoting a more harmonious coexistence.
Mr. Okafor noted that some unscrupulous individuals, masquerading as members of the Land Management Committee, are exploiting their perceived authority to manipulate and deceive members of conflicting communities, using the chaos to further their own interests through extortion and illegal land grabs.
Mr. Okafor advocated for the government to invest in rural road infrastructure, arguing that improved connectivity would unlock the potential of these areas, attracting working-class individuals and stimulating economic growth, thereby helping to alleviate land crises in vulnerable regions.
Mrs. Okonkwo, a concerned estate agent from Anambra State, highlighted the urgent need for government intervention in the land crises, cautioning that the influx of large corporations will bring immense pressure, affecting not only family homeowners but also tenants in urban areas, and potentially leading to social and economic upheaval.
