Residents of Ikangba Community in Odogbolu Local Government Area of Ogun State have appealed to Governor Dapo Abiodun to intervene in an alleged land dispute they said is threatening the peace and safety of the community. The residents alleged that some individuals were attempting to take over their ancestral land through intimidation and with the alleged involvement of security personnel.

Speaking in Abeokuta, the community’s secretary, Prince Oluleye Olufemi Oluleye, said two indigenes had previously been arrested and detained at the DSS office in Abeokuta over the dispute but were later released after documentary evidence was presented to support the community’s claim to the land. He said the DSS subsequently warned all parties against actions capable of disturbing the peace.

The community alleged that harassment continued despite the intervention of the DSS and the Ogun State Commissioner of Police, including claims of maiming and sporadic shootings on the disputed property. It also raised concerns over the alleged involvement of the Dagburewe of Idowa, Oba Sikiru Kayode Adefuwape, in the dispute.

The residents urged Governor Abiodun to order a thorough and impartial investigation, protect all parties while ownership is determined and ensure that security agencies are not used to intimidate residents in private land disputes. They also appealed to the police, DSS and the Ogun State Anti-Land Grabbing Task Force to act quickly to prevent further violence and allow the matter to be resolved through lawful means.