Edo State Cracks Down on Encroachment, Recovers 500+ Government Properties

The Chairman of the Edo State Public Property Protection Committee, Eugene Okoloise, announced on Wednesday that more than 500 state-owned properties have been recovered since he assumed office.

Speaking from his office in Benin, Okoloise highlighted the significance of the newly signed Edo State Public Property Protection Law, 2025, which Governor Monday Okpebholo approved on Monday. The legislation formally establishes the Public Property Protection Committee as a statutory body tasked with safeguarding, overseeing, and recovering state-owned assets.

The law also imposes a 10-year prison term for anyone who forcibly or unlawfully enters state property. Okoloise emphasized the government’s commitment to recovering all misappropriated properties and noted that a special court has been set up to prosecute offenders.

“No one will be considered untouchable in our efforts to reclaim government assets,” Okoloise said. “Before this law, we had no authority to prosecute offenders. Now, anyone caught violating it will face legal action. The government will also prosecute anyone found selling or encroaching on public property.”

He assured Edo residents that the committee would treat all offenders equally, regardless of their social or political status.

In addition, Okoloise revealed that the committee has launched an awareness campaign through media outlets and community engagements to educate the public about the new law. “We are working to sensitize people, including those in rural areas, that the law will prosecute anyone who forcibly enters government property,” he said, adding that media briefings form part of this ongoing campaign.