By Stone Reporters /COMMUNITY & JUSTICE TEAM
A growing wave of violent land-related conflicts is sweeping across Nigeria, as communities find themselves entangled in power struggles, political manipulation, and law enforcement bias. What was once a symbol of heritage and survival has now become a trigger for death and displacement.
From the farmlands of Delta to the villages of Enugu and the ancient territories of Edo State, land is no longer just property—it's a battleground. And in the heart of Benin City, the Amagba II crisis is laying bare the alarming convergence of politics, policing, and profit in Nigeria’s escalating land wars.
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The Amagba II Tragedy: A Land Dispute Turns Deadly
In late 2024, the Amagba II community in Oredo Local Government Area found itself under siege—not by armed criminals, but allegedly by state security agents acting on behalf of private interests.
A petition by one Gaius Emokpae, a man accused of attempting to seize community land, led to the controversial deployment of the Police Intelligence Response Team (IRT) and the Operations Department. According to residents, the operation aimed to enforce a reclassification of the community's name from “Amagba II” to “Oke-Oroma,” a disputed farming camp.
During the chaos that followed, Israel Isaac Ogbeide, a 35-year-old resident, was shot and killed by the riverbank. Locals said police officers stormed the area without any engagement or consultation with the community or its traditional authorities.
“They didn’t speak to the elders, didn’t recognize the Oba of Benin, and didn’t care about our side of the story,” one eyewitness told Stone Reporters News.
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Police Accused of Favoritism, Leaking Operations
Following the operation, allegations surfaced that some factions had ‘donated’ land to the police, thereby gaining their loyalty and influence. Residents claim that these same groups were tipped off in advance about the police deployment, effectively using the force as a private tool to grab land.
“The police are no longer neutral. They are loyal to whoever gives them land or money,” said a youth leader from the community. “They’re enforcing the will of powerful people, not justice.”
To date, no investigation has been opened into the death of Israel Ogbeide. Neither the Edo State Government nor the Nigeria Police Force has issued a transparent report or taken responsibility.
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Traditional Institutions Ignored
The Oba of Benin, the paramount ruler and recognized custodian of land in the Benin Kingdom, was not consulted about the renaming attempt or the police intervention. This omission, community leaders say, amounts to a blatant disrespect for the traditional and legal structures that govern land ownership in Edo State.
“The Benin throne has always been the final voice on land matters. Ignoring it is not just unlawful, it is sacrilege,” said a community elder.
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Not Just Edo: A National Pattern of Land Conflicts
The Amagba II case reflects a larger trend observed across Nigeria, where land disputes are no longer local disagreements but complex battles involving political godfathers, compromised law enforcement, and corrupt land deals.
Examples across Nigeria:
In Delta State, a 2023 land clash left homes destroyed and a man dead. No arrests were made due to the alleged involvement of a politically connected businessman.
In Plateau State, ongoing inter-community violence over ancestral lands has resulted in hundreds of deaths and displacement.
In Ogun and Ondo States, vigilante groups, backed by local leaders, have forcibly taken over disputed territories.
A report by Chatham House confirms that structural violence, economic deprivation, and elite impunity are fueling these land wars.
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Police Trust at an All-Time Low
Across affected communities, the role of the Nigeria Police Force is now viewed with suspicion. In some cases, officers are accused of:
Acting on the instructions of politically connected land grabbers.
Leaking planned operations to favored groups.
Failing to prosecute violent offenders due to political interference.
Accepting land or financial incentives in exchange for support.
With land becoming more commercially valuable, particularly in expanding urban and peri-urban areas, these practices are contributing to a dangerous erosion of public trust and security.
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No Justice, No Peace: The Implications
The failure to address these conflicts fairly and promptly has emboldened violent actors and discouraged peaceful resolutions. In places like Amagba II, the message is clear: if you don’t have political power or police protection, your land—and your life—are at risk.
Legal experts warn that if the federal and state governments do not act urgently, Nigeria could face even larger outbreaks of land-based violence, especially as land scarcity intensifies in major cities.
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A Path Forward: What Must Change
Analysts, community leaders, and civil society organizations are calling for urgent reforms to address the systemic failures behind Nigeria’s land conflicts.
Key Recommendations:
Independent Investigations: All land-related killings must be thoroughly investigated without bias or political interference.
Community Inclusion: Traditional rulers like the Oba of Benin must be central to land dispute resolutions.
Ban on Land-for-Favor Practices: The government must prohibit police officers from accepting land or gifts from parties involved in disputes.
Land Reforms: Strengthen legal protections for communal land and enforce property rights with transparency.
Decentralized Dispute Resolution: Support community-based conflict resolution models backed by enforceable rulings.
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Conclusion: A Nation at a Crossroads
The crisis in Amagba II is more than a local dispute—it is a symptom of a national disease. A system where the rich and powerful can manipulate police and override tradition, law, and justice is one that puts every community at risk.
If Nigeria continues to ignore the warning signs, the consequences may be devastating—not just for individual communities, but for national peace and unity. Justice for Amagba II, and for all communities caught in similar struggles, is not optional. It is essential.
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