In the early hours of Wednesday 12 February 2025 the Joint Taskforce Coordinator for the investigation of illegal levies and associated illicit activities in Gboko Local Government Area of Benue State, Honorable Moses Vangeryina, along with the entire Taskforce team, executed a decisive operation to reclaim government-owned land that had been illegally appropriated within L.G.E.A. Primary School Gbema-Cha, located in Gboko Local Government Area, Benue State.
The recovered land, which encompasses 6 hectares, was originally designated for educational purposes but had been unlawfully sold by the former Headmaster, Mr. Ityurbee Christopher, in conjunction with the Parents and Teachers Association (PTA) president, Mr. Shor Aganyi, to private entities.
The site plan, which accompanied an application for a Certificate of Occupancy, clearly delineates the school boundaries, adjacent plots, roads, an orange orchard, and a stream.
This operation was conducted under the direction of the Benue State Government, led by His Excellency, Very Rev. Fr. Hyacinth Iormem Alia, PhD, the Governor of Benue State, who is dedicated to reclaiming and developing public assets for the benefit of the community.
DISCOVERY AND INVESTIGATION
During an official visit to the school, the current Headmaster, Mr. Jegu Iorchee, who has held the position for less than nine months, provided comprehensive explanations concerning the illegal transactions.
He indicated that all unauthorized activities on the school land occurred during the tenure of his predecessor, Mr. Ityurbee Christopher.
To validate these assertions, Elder Godwin, a prominent community leader, presented historical records and land documents that further substantiated the wrongful sale of the land.
Consequently, the Taskforce Coordinator, Hon. Vangeryina Moses Terkimbi, summoned Mr. Ityurbee Christopher to account for his involvement in illicit sales during his administration as Headmaster.
IDENTIFIED ILLEGAL LAND PURCHASERS
The following individuals were identified as having unlawfully purchased portions of the school land:
1. Adzer Nomigyor
2. Aondoakaa Toramande
3. Terfa Ngueyar
4. Kwase U. Anusangbuer
5. Adzenda Nomigyor
6. Chia Aseer
7. Tivseer Abur
8. Isaac Akendegbira
GOVERNMENT ACTION AND DIRECTIVES
Hon. Moses Vangeryina, in collaboration with security agencies such as the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) and the Benue Civil Protection Guard, issued eviction notices to all individuals who had illegally acquired the land.
He emphasized that government property, particularly school land, must not be sold for private benefit, as it is intended to serve the community by providing access to education and future development initiatives, including polytechnics and universities.
The operation revealed that Mr. Shor Aganyi was implicated as the primary suspect in the sales of both the land and other school properties.
The Benue State Government is steadfast in its commitment to reclaiming publicly owned properties that have been illegally appropriated and ensuring that government assets fulfill their designated purposes.
The recovery initiative represents a significant advancement towards restoring law and order while safeguarding land for educational development within the Gboko Local Government Area.
Hon. Vangeryina Moses Terkimbi reaffirmed that any individual found guilty of engaging in illegal land transactions will face legal repercussions, as the government continues to prioritize the welfare and future prospects of its constituents.
