Itoikin-Epe Farmers Seek Sanwo Olu's Intervention In Military Invasion Of Their Land

Military Invasion has disrupted our legitimate business, say Afero Itoikin-Epe Farmers.
The farmers seek adequate compensation for their losses after a military invasion.
A former Commissioner of Police urged the military to follow due process in resolving the issues.

Eko Hot Blog reports that members of the Afero Itoikin-Epe Farmers Association have appealed for new allocation of farmlands and compensations for the loss of their businesses.

They made the appeal on Tuesday during a protest at the Lagos State House of Assembly.

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The land, which stresses nearly 300 acres, was allotted to the farmers by the Lagos state government under the leadership of former governor Babatunde Raji Fashola after displacing them from their previous farmlands which were to be used for the construction of the Lekki international airport.

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

Mr Joseph Esekhile, the chairman of the Afero Itoikin-Epe Farmers Association, revealed the type of farming he deals in, lamenting at the way the military came in to disrupt their businesses and deal with them.

He stated that, “I’m a poultry farmer and I do a bit of crops farming, mostly perennial crops. When the military men came, they didn’t come as gentlemen, they came with their full might. We had to run for safety. And those who were caught up were beaten.

“I’m 70 years and I can’t expose myself to such harassment anymore. I had to preserve myself and stay away from the land because once you’re killed in Nigeria, you’re gone.”

Afero Itoikin-Epe Farmers Association Vice Chairman, Mr Joseph Esekhile at the protest ground

He admitted that he doubts the sincerity of the government to give him safe land to operate, adding that he would love adequate compensation to get a land he can vet properly.

“Honestly speaking, if I would trust the government to give me a secure land, I would say, OK, let’s go. But because I have lost confidence in the government’s capacity to give me a land that is safe to operate.

“So if the government cannot do anything with the military to leave us where we are now, please give me adequate financial compensation and then I go and take time to look for alternative place which I will be careful to investigate,” he demanded.

Mr Sola Oyekoya, a member of the association, expressed his dissatisfaction with the disruption of their businesses despite the challenges on food security, while hopeful that the Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, would intervene timely.

“The recent military invasion has left our legitimate farming operations disrupted and our workers in fear for their lives. Approximately 28 to 30 farmers are now without jobs, impacting families and adding to the challenges in a country where food security is already a concern,” he said.

Mr Sola Oyekoya at the Afero Itoikin-Epe farmers peaceful protest

“Despite the setback, there is optimism that the government, including Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, will intervene and address the situation, allowing the affected farmers to resume their essential role in providing locally sourced food for Lagos State.

“This disruption is disheartening as it hampers our ability to contribute to food security. As farmers producing a variety of essential goods, including chickens, vegetables, and cash crops, we played a crucial role in sustaining the local market. Now, with the forced displacement, there’s an increased reliance on food imports, affecting prices and accessibility.

“The hope remains that the government, recognizing the significance of agriculture, will take swift action to restore the farmers’ livelihoods and contribute to the ongoing efforts for food security in the region.”

Another member of the association, Olusegun odunsin, called on key political figures to intervene on the land dispute and provide solutions to the affected farmers.

“The matter at hand is straightforward: we call upon key figures, including President Bola Tinubu, GCFR, Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, Hon. Wale Raji, Hon. Adetokunbo Abiru, Hon. Abiodun Tobun, and Hon. Sylvester Ogunkelu, to address the conflict between the military and state governments,” he said.

Olusegun Odunsin, a member of the Afero, Itoikin-Epe Farmers Association

“A committee should be established to facilitate a resolution, providing relief to farmers who invested significant sums in their ventures. This relief should encompass both relocation and monetary compensation, acknowledging the economic losses, job displacements, and investment damages resulting from the military’s actions, which have disrupted agricultural activities and livelihoods.”

Afero Itoikin-Epe Farmers Association Legal Advisor

He expressed sadness on the military approach towards them, urging the military men to engage in a diplomatic discussion with the government, so as to avoid undermining the progress of Nigeria.

He expressed that, “The military’s approach, characterized by attacks and demolitions, is deemed unfair. Instead of resorting to destruction, the military should engage in diplomatic discussions with the Lagos State government to resolve land disputes amicably.”