The Ogun State Chapter of the Nigerian Institution of Surveyors has sought a stronger collaboration with the Ogun State Police Command to address the growing challenges posed by land grabbing activities in the state.
The NIS made the demand during a courtesy visit on February 5, 2025 to the command’s Commissioner, CP Lanre Ogunlowo.
The NIS delegation highlighted the daily struggles faced by surveyors in their profession, especially incidents where surveyors are wrongfully arrested while lawfully carrying out their duties on disputed lands.
Key issues for deliberations as highlighted by the surveyors included an appeal for police intervention in cases where their members are: Wrongfully arrested alongside land-grabbing factions despite being legally employed for surveying assignments; Misconstrued as land sellers, whereas their actual role is in land planning, demarcation, and delineation rather than granting titles or ownership; and Exposed to threats, harassment, and violence from touts and criminal elements during site inspections.
They emphasised the urgent need for public enlightenment on the role of surveyors in land matters, advocating for wider professional engagement to reduce the reliance on untrained individuals who escalate land disputes into violent conflicts
Also Read:
- Ogun top monarch dies, Governor Abiodun mourns
- 2025 Budget: CSOs commend Ebonyi for N17b community projects
- NPA reviews tariffs upward by 15% after 32 years
- Intelligence Report: Police restrict night-time movement in Gombe
- Ebonyi: NUT declares indefinite strike in seven LGAs
In response, CP Ogunlowo acknowledged the widespread menace of land grabbing and assured the NIS delegation of the Command’s commitment to protecting lawful surveyors.
However advised surveyors to Refrain from colluding with notorious land grabbers or falsifying survey plans to favour any disputing party, as such actions amount to forgery, a punishable offence under Nigerian criminal laws; Ensure strict professional ethics, as the police will only support registered, law-abiding surveyors; and Recognise that land disputes are largely civil matters, and unless criminal elements, such as violence or use of dangerous weapons, are introduced, the rightful place to resolve disputes remains the court of law.
The Commissioner of Police firmly assured the surveyors that the police will continue to support genuine professionals while taking decisive action against illegal actors involved in land disputes.
Ogunlowo said the Ogun State Police Command remains committed to ensuring law, order, and justice in all land-related matters and urges the public to seek legal channels in resolving disputes.
Follow The Eagle Online Channel on WhatsApp
