Residents and property investors in Eleme Local Government Area of Rivers State have been caught off guard after the council chairman ordered the immediate suspension of all real estate activities.
The move follows growing concerns over alleged illegal land grabbing, violent encroachment, and rising insecurity across parts of the area.
The land grabbing crisis has become a major concern for residents, with local authorities accusing some developers of working with armed thugs to seize ancestral lands.
Announcing the decision during a press conference, the Executive Chairman of Eleme Local Government Area, Chief Hon. Obarilomate Ollor, said the suspension would remain in place until a full review of land-related activities is completed.
According to the chairman, some real estate developers have allegedly moved into communities along the Woji-Aleto-Alesa Link Road and the Agbonchia-Akpajo axis of the Port Harcourt Ring Road.
He claimed the developers, alongside armed groups, have been accused of intimidating residents and creating fear in affected communities.
Speaking on the development, Ollor said the situation had reached an alarming level.
“The Executive Chairman of Eleme Local Government Area, Chief Hon. Obarilomate Ollor, has announced the immediate suspension of all real estate activities in the council area over what he described as a surge in illegal land grabbing, violent encroachment, and criminal activities on Eleme ancestral lands.”
Furthermore, the chairman accused those involved of attacking landowners, demanding money from farmers, damaging property, and contributing to insecurity in the area.
To address the growing concerns, he signed an Executive Order immediately suspending every real estate operation within the local government.
Consequently, all estate developers, surveyors, companies, and individuals planning land transactions must now obtain approval from the Eleme Local Government Council before carrying out any activity.
In addition, they must secure every required statutory approval before commencing work.
The chairman also issued a strong warning to individuals allegedly occupying disputed lands illegally.
According to him, those responsible should leave the affected locations or risk facing legal action.
He maintained that the disputed areas remain ancestral lands belonging to the Eleme people and should be protected from unlawful occupation.
Meanwhile, prospective land buyers were advised to exercise caution before purchasing property within the affected communities.
Ollor urged investors to carefully verify ownership documents to avoid future legal disputes.
According to the chairman, a formal petition has already been submitted to the Rivers State House of Assembly.
The petition seeks a full investigation into the alleged land grabbing activities and the reported security threats affecting local communities.
Furthermore, Ollor appealed to security agencies to intervene without delay.
He called on law enforcement agencies to investigate the allegations, restore peace, and ensure the safety of residents across Eleme.
The latest decision has generated discussions among residents, landowners, and property investors.
However, others hope the temporary restriction will not discourage genuine investors who follow the law.
Real estate development has continued to expand rapidly across Rivers State in recent years.
Consequently, disputes involving land ownership have become more common in several growing communities.
