Land Grabbing Sparks Tension in Denro Community, Ogun State
Fresh allegations of land grabbing have emerged from Denro Community in Ogun State, raising renewed concerns about the persistence of violent property disputes and the growing audacity of suspected land grabbers in the state.
According to reports, an estate owned by a group of Nigerians, including investors in the diaspora, has allegedly come under sustained attack by individuals suspected to be land grabbers, who are accused of unlawfully attempting to take over the property and destroying all existing developments on the land.
Documents and testimonies made available, the estate had previously been secured and partially developed before the alleged invasion. Sources familiar with the matter said the attackers moved in force, pulled down structures on the land, and issued threats to legitimate owners and their representatives.
It was gathered that the incident was earlier reported to the relevant anti–land–grabbing authorities in Ogun State. Following the initial report, the suspected perpetrators reportedly fled the area, only to return weeks later with renewed boldness.
What has deepened fears among the property owners is the claim that the individuals now allege links to the current government, a development that has heightened tension and discouraged affected parties from accessing the land without armed security protection.
The individuals fingered in the incident include one Prince Kasali, Kazeem Teriba, Karimu Seriki, also known as Onishasi, Taofeek Taiwo Isiaka, and an individual identified simply as Baloo, who is said to be the leader of the thugs involved. Others are said to be yet to be identified.
One of the affected stakeholders, who spoke on condition of anonymity for security reasons, told this reporter that repeated threats and intimidation have made the environment unsafe.
“They destroyed everything on the land. When we reported them, they ran away, but now they are back, claiming government backing. One of them openly said he does not recognize any document we have and that he can do anything anywhere in Ogun State,” the source alleged.
Residents of Denro Community who spoke separately expressed fear that the dispute could escalate into violence if urgent action is not taken. Some community members said the activities of land grabbers have become a recurring problem in the area, discouraging genuine development and scaring away investors.
Calls and messages sent to some of the named individuals were not returned. Similarly, official reaction from relevant state authorities and security agencies is still being awaited.
Meanwhile, the property owners have issued a public notice to alert investors, stakeholders, Nigerians in the diaspora, and the general public to the situation, insisting that they are law-abiding citizens with valid ownership documents. They maintained that they would continue to pursue legal avenues to protect their investment and ensure justice is served.
Observers say the case once again highlights the urgent need for decisive enforcement of anti–land grabbing laws in Ogun State, as well as transparent investigations into allegations of political influence being used to intimidate property owners.
As tension continues to mount in Denro Community, residents and investors alike are calling on security agencies and the state government to intervene swiftly to prevent further destruction, restore confidence, and reaffirm the rule of law.
