NAN-H-87
Encroachment
By Ayodeji Alabi
Akure, Dec. 8, 2016 (NAN) The Ondo State House of Assembly has condemned the encroachment of neighbouring Imakun community in Ogun State upon Atijere and other communities in Ilaje Local Government Area of the state.
The house raised the issue during plenary on Thursday as a matter of urgent public notice at the Ondo State House of Assembly, Akure.
The session, presided by the Speaker, Hon. Jumoke Akindele, called on the Ondo State government to take urgent steps to protect the lives and property of the people of these communities.
Akindele further called on the Police and other security agencies in tackling the issue and further constituted an ad-hoc committee to conduct a Public Hearing.
She said a public hearing would help in understanding the contending issues and proffer lasting solutions on the crisis.
Akindele urged the committee to get to work and submit its recommendations within the shortest possible time.
The speaker also said based on the recommendations of the ad-hoc committee, the House would then make a case with the National Boundary Commission for further action.
Earlier, Mr Malachi Coker, member representing Ilaje 2 Constituency, said the alleged activities of the Imakun invaders had caused untold hardship on the people of Agerige, Ajegunle, Araromi seaside, Obinehin and Atijere communities.
Coker called on the Ondo State Oil Producing Areas Development Commission (OSOPADEC) to open up the Aboto-Atijere road linking these communities to Ondo State
He said this was to create an alternative route for the communities as the Atijere-Imakun road had been blocked after the attack.
Also speaking, Mr Sola Ebiwonjumi, member representing Okitipupa 1 Constituency, stressed the need for the crisis to be nipped in the bud.
Ebiwonjumi said if the issue was not tackled urgently, it would disrupt the much celebrated peace in Ondo State and slow down the pace of development in the state. (NAN)
AYO/DOR/YEE
Edited by Nyisom Dore/Emmanuel Yashim
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