The Edo State Government has begun moves to recover more than 70 of the 90 acres of land where the abandoned Ikpoba Dam Hotel is sited, after decades of encroachment.

The hotel, started under the late Governor Samuel Ogbemudia’s administration, was earmarked to temporarily house the 83 Division of the Nigerian Army. Reconstruction has begun on the site, but a large portion of the land has been sold off over the past 40 years.

Chairman, Committee for Protection of Government Properties, Eugene Okoloise, said several structures, including churches, have been marked for demolition, describing the scale of encroachment as extraordinary. He said the government has petitioned the police to invite persons identified as land grabbers for questioning.

“We have recovered some of the land, but if it is not enough for the take-off of the 83 Division, we will extend the recovery,” he said. (The Nation)