By Odita Sunday
The Ogun State Police Command has commenced investigation into allegations of farmland destruction, criminal intimidation and land grabbing in Ajogbo Akia community, directing intensified day-and-night patrols to the area to prevent a breakdown of law and order.
The Commissioner of Police, Ogun State Command, CP Bode Ojajuni, ordered the immediate and comprehensive investigation following media reports on concerns raised by the traditional leadership and residents of the community.
The investigation, according to the Command, is aimed at establishing the facts surrounding the allegations, identifying those responsible for any criminal acts and ensuring that anyone found culpable faces the law.
In a statement issued on Friday by the Deputy Police Public Relations Officer, Ogun State Command, ASP Oluborode Opeyemi, the police clarified that disputes over land ownership, title, boundaries and adjustments to land boundaries remain civil matters to be determined by competent courts.
The Command, however, warned that criminal acts arising from such disputes would not be tolerated.
“Where a party possesses legitimate title and statutory documentation of land ownership but suffers any criminal act such as malicious damage to crops, destruction of property, criminal trespass, or threats to life, the law gives such individuals the right to report these acts to the Police for thorough investigation and possible prosecution,” the statement said.
To prevent further escalation, the Command has directed Area Commanders and Divisional Police Officers with jurisdiction over the community to deploy high-visibility patrol teams and intelligence assets to Ajogbo Akia and adjoining agricultural corridors.
The patrol teams have been mandated to maintain a strong security presence in the area both day and night, particularly to ensure that farmers can access their farmlands and residents conduct their lawful activities without fear of violence, harassment or unlawful interference.
The Command reiterated its zero-tolerance policy towards illegal land grabbing, self-help and threats to life.
It also commended the traditional ruler of Ajogbo Akia, Baale Dr. Oluwasegun Adebiyi, and other community leaders for seeking police intervention rather than allowing the dispute to degenerate into violence.
The police urged residents and other stakeholders to remain calm and law-abiding while cooperating with investigators by providing credible and actionable information that could assist in resolving the matter and maintaining peace in the state.
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