The authorities of Onitsha South Local Government of Anambra State, on Monday, 17 February, commenced demolition of illegal structures built on lands belonging to the medical health center.
The properties built around Silas Works, popularly known as Sir Best market at Fegge in the Onitsha metropolis, were demolished by the Onitsha South LG on recovery of Government lands led by the council Mayor, Chief Emeka Orji, Oba Armani, and monitored by the local government vigilante commander, Mr. Echezona Ezeonyejekwe.
The demolition of the properties followed the expiration of the notice issued to the illegal property owners to vacate the land.
Speaking to the council media correspondent, Mr Ezeh Ikechukwu (Senator Iyke) briefly after the demolition exercise, Chief Orji, who was flanked by the traders, said they were mandated to recover all government lands illegally occupied by individuals or corporate bodies across the LGA.
Oba Armani said: “Clearly, where we are now is made for a health center, but the traders under the auspices of Sir Best encroached on the land and built illegal structures amidst all manner of illegal approvals.
According to the secretary to the LG, Barr Paul A., a series of information have been given to them, but they chose to ignore d our notifications.
“We gave them notice to vacate the land in 2022; we notified them third and last quart in 2024, we called their attention in January this year and earlier this month but to no avail. We were patient enough with them so that tomorrow they will not say they were not given enough notice”, the Secretary lamented.
While admonishing land grabbers across the council area to stay away from government lands, Barr Paul said:
“So whatever you are seeing here is a determination of the authorities of Onitsha South LG to bring about the rule of law and to respect the laws of the land because we cannot allow land grabbers to begin to control all kinds of lands.
“This is just a starting point because ‘the falling away of the yellow leaves is a warning to the green ones’. If you grabbed any government land or property, deem it wise to vacate respectfully”.
© Onitsha South LG New Media