Edo State government has disclosed that all illegally acquired farmlands by some companies would be revoked. The Deputy Governor, Dennis Idahosa, who made the disclosure in Benin City on Thursday when he received members of the Association of Cocoa Farmers, said some of the farmlands were acquired through proxies. The deputy governor, who stated this in a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr Friday Aghedo, assured that due process would be followed in retrieving such lands and give them back to their owners.
He particularly commended members of the association from Ovia South-West and Ovia North-East Local Government Areas for being law-abiding in spite of the seeming challenges.
Idahosa reaffirmed the campaign promise of Governor Monday Okpebholo to farmers, maintaining that their welfare is of topmost priority to government.
This is just as he reminded them that having campaigned in the 18 local government areas, the governor is aware of their socio-economic contributions to their local government areas and the state in general.
He also stated that by paying their taxes regularly to the state government, nobody would be able to take away their lands and due dividends.
Idahosa pointed out that government is putting things in place to minimise farmer/herders clashes, as well as do everything possible to make sure that the lives of citizens are secured.
Earlier, the cocoa farmers led by Mr Bello Osaretin had alleged that some civil servants from the ministry of agriculture and food security connived with some Chinese to sell Ohosu and Okomu forest reserve.
He claimed that over 40 major communities presently occupied by farmers in Ovia South West would no longer be in existence if the present administration fails to intervene.
Earlier, the cocoa farmers led by Mr Bello Osaretin had alleged that some civil servants from the ministry of agriculture and food security connived with some Chinese to sell Ohosu and Okomu forest reserve..
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