Reps Urge Army Officers to Refrain From Harassment, Intimidation Of Nigerians

The House of Representatives has urged the Chief of Army Staff, COAS, to order the men of the Nigerian Army, especially those at Epe Barracks to refrain from further acts of harassment, intimidation and acquisition of Iraye-Oke communal land.

The resolutions followed the adoption of a motion titled, “Alleged Intimidation, Assault and Trespass by the Nigerian Army, Epe Barracks Regarding Land Tussle with Iraye-Oke Community in Epe Federal Constituency of Lagos State.” The motion was moved by Tasir Olawale Raji.

The House noted that a petition against the Nigerian Army, Epe Barracks by the Iraye-Oke community over acts of intimidation, assault and trespass of 329.588 hectares of land was presented before it on October 4, 2023, for investigation and resolution.

The motion said; “Concerned that the people now live in constant fear of attacks from the Nigerian Army as many of them have fled their homes and farmlands which is their major source of livelihood. Worried that if the Nigerian Army is not prevented from carrying out further acts of intimidation, harassment and acquisition of Iraye-Oke communal land pending the resolution of the petition, the people may suffer irreparable damages. The House was concerned that since the petition, soldiers from Epe barracks have embarked on forceful acquisition of the people’s houses, lands and fishing ponds by extending the fence of the Army barracks to cover these properties.”

The House said that the Army also stationed armed soldiers at the perimeters, thus denying the owners access of their properties.

Raji said that the order should be pending the resolution of the land dispute by the House.

The House mandated the Committee on Army to ensure compliance.

Mercy Chukwudiebere