Date: 2019-09-23

A group, the Media Advocacy and Technology Centre (MATEC), has accused workers of the Kwara State Bureau of Land of illegal acquisition of land.

It urged Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq to caution the bureau to tread softly in its bid to acquire land "and to ensure justice is done and that land grabbers at the bureau are made to face the law for dragging the government in the mud." MATEC Media Communication Officer Abdullahi said: "Our attention has been drawn to the operating procedure of the Kwara State Bureau of Land over illegal acquisition of family and community land, using government power and office.

"An Ilorin Upper Area Court 1, on June 11, 2019 issued an injunction restraining the bureau and Akorede family from constructing any building on the land situated at Oke Andi, Babá Alawo, Tapa and Alagbon villages, all behind Judges' Quarters, in Ilorin South Local Government.

"To our surprise, the Kwara Bureau of Land flagrantly disobeyed this injunction and has continued to sell, allocate and distribute the said property. This is in addition to the bureau using the police to harass and intimidate the family whose land is being unjustly acquired.

"MATEC is ready to use every legal means to ensure that those using government names and offices to oppress citizens do no go scot-free.

"We believe OTOGE mantra should have ended recklessness in the government operation in Kwara State."