•••Declares War on Land Grabbing in Obio/Akpor
The Chairman of Obio/Akpor Local Government Area, Hon. Dr. Gift Worlu, has declared that the primary responsibility of any government is the protection of lives and property.
Dr.Worlu while speaking to journalists on Thursday, the council boss emphasized that his administration remains committed to safeguarding residents and tackling the persistent menace of land grabbing across the local government.
He disclosed that his administration has taken several legal and administrative steps to address the issue, including petitions to higher authorities and relevant security agencies.
The Chairman described land grabbers as dangerous elements in society, accusing them of fueling violence and criminality.
Worlu further revealed that the matter has been escalated to key authorities, including the Governor of Rivers State, the Rivers State House of Assembly, the Commissioner of Police, the Inspector-General of Police, as well as the National Assembly.
According to him, the issue is currently before the House of Representatives Committee on Public Petitions, which had earlier ordered a halt to all activities on disputed lands within the area.
Despite these interventions, he lamented that the perpetrators have continued their activities in defiance of the law.
In a decisive move, Gift Worlu announced that the local government would begin the demolition of illegal structures erected by suspected land grabbers, starting with fences on disputed lands.
He warned that the council would extend similar actions to other affected communities, including Rumuodomanya, Rumuolumeni, Rumuokoro, Eliozu, Iriebe, Rumuokwurusi, Choba and Rumuigbo.
The Chairman also cautioned residents against engaging in fraudulent land transactions, urging them to follow due process when acquiring property.
He advised individuals with land disputes to present their cases before the local government’s land committee, headed by Chief Alex Wele, for proper resolution.
Signed:
Goodluck Nsirim
Chief Press Secretary,Obio/Akpor LGA
Thursday, April 23, 2026
