Edo Land Grabbing Crisis Deepens as Civil Society Groups Demand Enforcement of 2016 Property Law

Benin City is witnessing a troubling resurgence of land grabbing, with residents and property owners facing harassment, extortion, and physical attacks from individuals and groups allegedly operating under the guise of the proscribed Community Development Association (CDA) system. Victims say these illegal activities have displaced many families and left communities vulnerable to violence and intimidation.

Concerned Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) on Monday raised the alarm during a meeting in Benin City, where they issued a communique highlighting the urgent need for government intervention. The group, led by Comrade Emmanuel Ogbidi, urged Edo State Governor, Monday Okpebholo, to fully enforce the Private Property Protection (PPP) Law of 2016, which was enacted to regulate land use and safeguard citizens’ rights. Ogbidi stated that while the law provides a solid framework for transparent and accountable land management, it has not been effectively implemented, creating loopholes that embolden land grabbers.

According to him, the renewed activities of CDAs in several Edo communities have devastated families and undermined public confidence in land security. The group’s recommendations include establishing a dedicated task force to tackle land grabbing, intensifying public awareness of the PPP Law, prosecuting offenders, curbing the excesses of CDA operatives, and revitalizing enforcement measures to boost investor confidence in the state.

Ogbidi cited the recent case of Comrade Kelly Osunbor, an activist residing in Amagba community, who was allegedly attacked on August 4, 2025, by suspected thugs demanding N500,000 for attempting to renovate his security building. The attackers, he said, damaged window glass during the assault. Osunbor has since lodged a petition at the Edo State Police Headquarters against the alleged prime suspect, Peter Erhinmwinose, popularly known as “Ebo Amagba,” and others, accusing them of attempted kidnapping, assault, property damage, threat to life, and intimidation.

Marxist Kola Edokpayi, who accompanied Osunbor, condemned the attack, stressing that the incident reflected a wider culture of lawlessness among proscribed CDA elements. Both men accused the state government of failing to act decisively, thereby encouraging continued impunity.

With hundreds of landowners across Edo South reportedly facing similar intimidation despite the CDA ban, civil society leaders warn that the situation could escalate further if not urgently addressed. Residents are now watching closely to see whether Governor Okpebholo who has previously vowed zero tolerance for misconduct will take firm action to restore order to the state’s land market or allow the crisis to deepen.