Residents of Ajogbo Akia community in Ado-Odo area of Ogun State have raised the alarm over what they describe as a violent invasion and destruction of their farmlands by hoodlums suspected to be land grabbers.

This is because, as they said, the development has left them frightened and farmers unable to access their livelihoods.

The residents who spoke in multiple interviews with PUNCH Metro on Tuesday alleged that the hoodlums invaded portions of their ancestral land, destroyed farmlands and plantations, and threatened those who attempted to resist them.

A resident, Joel Asade, said he woke up to the presence of the hoodlums storming their community and destroying their farmlands and plantations without a justifiable reason, prompting residents to suspect that they were land grabbers.

“For about five generations, our forebears acquired the lands, which they have held onto since then; we suddenly saw land grabbers bringing confusion and claiming ownership of the land.

“They are destroying the crops we cultivate on our land and ruining everything. We have already taken this matter to the law enforcement agents so that they can rescue us.”

Another resident and community leader, Solomon Bankole, expressed surprise over the invasion, adding that the town had enjoyed relative peace since its inception.

He added that the residents had nowhere to go if they were displaced from their community while urging the police and the government to come to their aid.

“They suddenly came into town, and they started destroying everything, cutting palm trees, clearing farms, which is not supposed to be the case. A town that has laws.

“This place belongs to us! This is the town we know, and we don’t have anywhere to go. Governor Dapo Abiodun, President Bola Tinubu, and the police should come to our aid,” he added.

The Baale and traditional ruler of Ajogbo Akia, Dr Oluwasegun Adebiyi, described the situation as an assault on a community that had lived peacefully on the land for generations.

“We have existed in peace and harmony for centuries in this area. We have always held and maintained peaceful possession of our ancestral land.

“Suddenly, we are experiencing devastating violence and aggression against our people. The havoc caused to my people cannot be quantified in terms of emotional pain and psychological trauma, apart from the enormous financial losses.”

Adebiyi further alleged that members of the community had received threats from those behind the reported invasion.

“They have allegedly made heavy and direct threats to eliminate whoever stands in their way. Our people are now living in fear. We cannot go to our farms or conduct our normal activities.

The traditional leader appealed to the state government and relevant authorities to come to their aid.

Efforts to get the reaction of the Ogun State Police Public Relations Officer, Babaseyi Oluseyi, proved abortive as he had yet to respond to enquiries sent to him on Tuesday at the time of filing this report. (The PUNCH)