Direct Soldiers to Stop Intimidation, Acquisition of Communal Land in Epe, Reps Urge COAS

The House of Representatives on Tuesday urged the Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt Gen Taoreed Lagbaja, to order the men of the Nigerian Army, especially those at Epe Barracks to refrain from further acts of harassment, intimidation and acquisition of Iraye-Oke communal land in Epe, Lagos State, pending the resolution of the land dispute by the House.

This followed the adoption of a motion titled, “Alleged Intimidation, Assault and Trespass by the Nigerian Army, Epe Barracks Regarding Land Tussle with Iraye-Oke Community in Epe Federal Constituency of Lagos State” moved by Hon.Tasir Olawale Raji at the plenary presided over by the Deputy Speaker, Hon Benjamin Kalu.

Moving the motion, the Lawmaker said that the House noted that a petition against the Nigerian Army, Epe Barracks by the Iraye-Oke community over acts of intimidation, assault and trespass of 329.588 hectares of land was presented before it on October 4, 2023, for investigation and resolution.

According to him, the House was concerned that since the petition, soldiers from Epe Barracks had embarked on forceful acquisition of people’s houses, lands and fishing ponds by extending the fence of the Army barracks to cover these properties.

“The House said the Army also stationed armed soldiers at the perimeters, thus denying the owners access to their properties.

“The House was also concerned that the people now live in constant fear of attacks from the Nigerian Army as many of them have fled their homes and farmlands which is their major source of livelihood.

“It was worried that if the Nigerian Army is not prevented from carrying out further acts of intimidation, harassment and acquisition of Iraye-Oke communal land pending the resolution of the petition, the people may suffer irreparable damages”, the lawmaker said.

When the motion was put in to voice vote it was unanimously supported by other members

The House in addition mandated the Committee on Army to ensure compliance.