Rivers Sets Up Panel to Tackle Eleme Boundary Disputes, Land Grabbing
ISSN: 2354-4481
By Olai Igwe
Location: Port Harcourt, Rivers State
The Rivers State Government is set to constitute a special panel next week to address boundary disputes, land encroachment, land grabbing and related security challenges involving Eleme and neighbouring communities.
The decision followed an exclusive security meeting between Governor Siminalayi Fubara and key stakeholders from Eleme, where concerns over recurring land disputes and their impact on peace and security were discussed.
Chairman of the Eleme Local Government Council, Obarilomate Ollor, disclosed the development shortly after the meeting, saying the proposed state intervention would provide a broader framework for addressing disputes that have continued to generate tension in parts of the area.
Ollor said some of the disputes had contributed to increased tension and pockets of insecurity within and around Eleme, stressing the need for a coordinated approach involving the state government, the local government and other relevant authorities.
He commended Governor Fubara for his continued intervention in issues affecting the people of Eleme, describing the proposed panel as an important step towards finding lasting solutions to the disputes.
The council chairman assured the governor of the commitment of the people of Eleme to cooperate with the state government and relevant security and administrative authorities to restore peace and promote a sustainable resolution of boundary and land-related conflicts.
Ollor, however, expressed concern over the activities of some real estate operators, alleging that certain operators were fuelling and financing land grabbing and insecurity in pursuit of unlawful interests while presenting themselves as legitimate business organisations.
He urged real estate companies operating in Eleme and prospective land buyers to exercise caution and conduct proper due diligence before entering into land transactions.
According to him, prospective buyers should verify all necessary government approvals, permits and title documents to avoid purchasing disputed or unlawfully acquired property.
The chairman also warned that individuals and organisations involved in land transactions should ensure that the ownership and legal status of properties are properly established before completing any transaction.
Ollor further clarified that the planned intervention by the Rivers State Government would not affect the ongoing activities of the Land Dispute Investigation Panel already constituted by the Eleme Local Government Council.
He explained that the local government panel would continue to receive and investigate petitions relating to land grabbing, encroachment, unlawful acquisition and other land disputes within the council area.
The panel, he said, would submit its findings and recommendations to the Eleme Local Government Council for appropriate action.
The distinction between the two interventions, according to the council chairman, means that the state government’s proposed panel can pursue a broader approach to boundary and security-related disputes, while the existing local government panel remains focused on petitions and investigations within Eleme.
The development comes amid growing concerns over land ownership disputes and alleged encroachment in parts of Eleme and surrounding communities.
Eleme, located in Rivers State’s oil and industrial belt, hosts major industrial and energy-related facilities and has experienced increasing pressure on land arising from urban expansion, commercial activities and development.
The state government’s planned intervention is therefore expected to provide an avenue for stakeholders to address longstanding boundary disagreements, clarify land ownership claims and strengthen security around affected communities.
