The Akwa Ibom State government has issued a warning about fraudulent land speculators operating around government-designated areas, posing as landowners to defraud unsuspecting members of the public.
The Commissioner for Lands in the state, Capt. Iniobong Ekong (Retd), raised the alarm during a discussion with journalists in Uyo. He highlighted that these scammers target government earmarked housing development sites in Uyo, Ibesikpo Asutan, and other locations across the state.
Ekong cautioned the public to be vigilant against these activities, noting that the situation escalated when the speculators started accusing the government of stealing and converting their alleged land without compensation.
He described these allegations as baseless and aimed at tarnishing the government’s image.
The Commissioner explained that a former governor of the state, Obong Victor Attah, meticulously planned the development of Uyo into the state capital. He acquired various areas, designating them for commercial, industrial, and residential purposes.
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Despite these efforts, the lack of infrastructure and security challenges hindered people from developing these areas as intended.
Ekong emphasized that the government is in possession of these lands by documents, status, and in practice.
He expressed determination to address these issues and restore the state to its original design.
He advised anyone interested in purchasing land in the state to seek the services of a lawyer who is well-informed about the process.
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He assured the public of the government’s commitment to managing land administration for the benefit of the people of Akwa Ibom State.