Afero Itoikin-Epe Farmers Protest Against Military Invasion At Lagos Assembly.

Military claims ownership of land allotted to Afero, Itoikin-Epe farmers.
Afero Itoikin-Epe farmers appeals to the Lagos State Government for compensation and reallocation of farmlands.
Farmers to consider migration to safer States if not taken care of.

Eko Hot Blog reports that the Afero, Itoikin-Epe farmers held a peaceful protest at the Lagos State House of Assembly over the invasion of their farmlands by the Military, on Tuesday, January 9, 2024.

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According to the farmers, the land which the military claimed to be theirs was allotted to them by the state government after their previous farmlands were used for the commencement of the Lekki international airport.

The state house of assembly were filled with aggrieved farmers, who trooped out singing songs of solidarity and aired their grievances over the maltreatment they’re receiving over the farmlands.

Afero Itoikin-Epe Farmers Protest Against Military Takeover At Lagos Assembly

The Chairman of the Afero, Itoikin farmers association, Prince Wale Oyekoya while addressing members of the press, gave a brief insight they were relocated away from their previous farmlands by the state government to another which the military is now laying claim on.

He stated, “The Afere Farmers Association was established in 2005 for commercial farming, aiming to promote food security in Lagos and Nigeria. At the outset, we were more than 20 farmers. However, the Lagos State government displaced us to build the Lekki International Airport. Former Governor Babatunde Raji Fashola promised relocation and compensation, which was fulfilled. We were moved to our current location, but the military now claims ownership, demanding we vacate.”

Afero Itoikin-Epe Farmers Association Chairman Prince Wale Oyekoya At The Protest

He disclosed the challenges they faced when resuming farming, with government inactions despite several petitions

“Upon resuming farming in 2015, we faced issues with land grabbers. Thugs disrupted our business, stole crops and livestock. Despite reporting to the state government and approaching the Ministry of Agriculture, no action has been taken. We paid over a million naira for protection against land grabbers, but the issue persists,” he revealed.

Protesting Farmers At The Lagos State House Of Assembly

Subsequently, he disclosed that the military has claimed ownership of the land they were given, requesting they vacate.

“In the first week of December, armed military personnel claimed ownership of the land, insisting Lagos State had no right to allocate it. They referred us to the Ministry of Defence in Abuja. Our farmlands have been destroyed, and the military is fencing the area from Ketu axis to Itoikin area in Epe. Approximately 30 farmers doing legitimate business have been displaced.”

He called on the government to come to their aid, saying,

“We appeal to the governor for assistance, as the lands were allocated by the state. Our livelihoods are at stake, and we need immediate intervention, compensation for destroyed crops and livestock, and a suitable place for farming. Despite doubts, having been relocated twice in ten years, we hope for resolution.”

Afero Itoikin-Epe Farmers Protest Against Military Takeover of Farmlands At Lagos Assembly

He further revealed that there are issues on the land and urged the government to conduct thorough investigation,

“The military alleges the Lagos state government’s complicity in reselling lands to land grabbers, who then sell to estate developers, knowing it belongs to the military. We urge the Lagos state governor to conduct a thorough investigation into this matter.”

The legal advisor of the association, Mr Oyelayo Oyetunde expressed dissatisfaction with the government’s actions and intend to pursue legal action if not compensated or relocated. They plea for support from representatives and government officials, highlighting the urgency for intervention to prevent further escalation.

The farmers specifically call on the president, urging him to address the situation as the commander in chief and father of the farmers, emphasizing the potential adverse consequences if the military’s actions persist.

Afero Itoikin-Epe Farmers Association Legal Advisor Mr Oyelayo Oyetunde

The vice chairman of the the association, Mr Joseph Esekhile, also added his voice on the issue, highlighted their investments in perennial crops and modern facilities on the disputed land, emphasizing the need for a government apology and adequate compensation.

Expressing concerns about the government’s capacity to provide a secure land alternative, they contemplate relocating to other states for a safer future.