The Ebonyi State Government has issued a stern warning to those unlawfully occupying Development Centre land and other state-owned properties, signaling that legal measures will be taken against violators. During a briefing with the 64 Development Centre coordinators in Abakaliki, Dr. Matthew Nwobasi, the Commissioner for Lands and Survey, demanded the immediate evacuation of all encroached areas.
Nwobasi clarified that Development Centres exist through state legislation and remain distinct from local government jurisdictions. He instructed coordinators to retain custody of their properties and transition them only to authorized successors. Furthermore, he mandated that all coordinators finalize land surveys and submit documentation to his office. The Ministry of Lands and Survey plans to conduct site inspections; any coordinator found negligent in protecting their assigned land may be viewed as complicit in the encroachment.
State Surveyor-General Dr. John Igbede highlighted that clear boundary markings are essential for maintaining harmony between the centres and local communities. He noted that while communities originally donated the land, boundaries have shrunk due to persistent encroachment, necessitating urgent re-demarcation. Several coordinators, such as John Nwofoke and Chukwuemeka Ali, expressed support for these directives while requesting ministerial assistance to reclaim occupied territories.
