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The Human Environmental Development Agenda (HEDA Resource Centre), a leading Civil Society Organisation (CSO) in Nigeria, has condemned the actions of the Nigerian Army in intimidation and land encroachment against the indigenous residents of Ebute-Afuye in Epe, Lagos.
HEDA therefore called upon the federal government and the Lagos State Government to intervene and seek justice for the Ebute Afuye Community residents, reports Daily Independent.
In a statement signed by HEDA, it revealed that the army’s 81 Base Ordinance Corp had commenced the construction of a perimeter fence, posing a grave threat to the existence of the Ebute-Afuye Community.
According to HEDA, this development not only endangers the livelihoods of the residents but also undermines various human development projects implemented by governments and development partners in the area, including efforts by HEDA Resource Centre.
“About a month ago, HEDA Resource Centre was approached by the indigenous people of Ebute-Afuye Community concerning a distressing situation. It came to our attention that the Nigeria Army 81 Base Ordnance Corp had initiated the construction of a perimeter fence that posed a severe threat to the existence of these communities.
“This fence not only jeopardises the livelihoods of the residents but also undermines various human development projects implemented by governments and development partners including HEDA Resource Centre to support the communities,” the statement reads.
“In response to this urgent matter, HEDA Resource Centre conducted thorough investigations to ascertain the facts surrounding the situation. Our participant observation findings revealed that the Nigerian Army is constructing a wall to relocate its perimeter fence, thereby expanding its land at the expense of the indigenous people of Ebute Afuye community.
“This expansion entails shifting the known boundary by over 200 meters closer to the lagoon shore at Ebute-Afuye, effectively encroaching upon the homes and livelihoods of many community members.
“HEDA Resource Centre sighted the acquisition notice No. 1111 of 16th July 1970, wherein the then Oloja of Epe, late Oba David Ajayi Fesogbade II, and his chiefs ceded a total of 71.74 acres of land to the Nigerian Army in the community for an agreed sum. However, while the military barracks have coexisted alongside the indigenous peoples of Ebute Afuye, and other communities, the recent actions of the Nigerian Army represent a clear violation of the rights and interests of the affected communities.”
