Residents and farmers from Ajogbo Akia in the Ado-Odo/Ota Local Government Area of Ogun State have called on the state government to provide immediate relief for families impacted by the destruction of their farmlands. The community made this plea during a press conference held at the Nigeria Union of Journalists' secretariat in Abeokuta on Tuesday.

The Baale of Ajogbo Akia, Dr. Oluwasegun Adebiyi, represented by Chief Timothy Olamide, expressed deep concern over the alleged actions of landgrabbers and impostors that have devastated the agricultural foundation of the community. Adebiyi highlighted that the destruction has left many families without their primary source of livelihood, as crops such as cassava, yam, maize, and okra, along with mature palm trees, have been lost.

"The damage goes far beyond the land itself. Our people have lost cassava, yam, maize, okra and other crops. Valuable palm trees and agricultural plantations of over 50 to 100 years have all been destroyed," Adebiyi stated, emphasizing the dire consequences for a community that has historically relied on agriculture.

The community leader noted that the loss of these resources has severely impacted the income and food security of many families. Farmers who had invested significant time and money into their farms now find themselves without means to sustain their households. In response to the crisis, the community has reported the situation to the Ado-Odo Police Division and acknowledged the efforts of the Ogun State Commissioner of Police in addressing the issue.

While expressing gratitude for the police's involvement, Adebiyi urged for increased measures to prevent further attacks. He also revealed that the community has initiated legal proceedings regarding the land dispute, reaffirming their commitment to resolving the matter through lawful channels.

"We have lost our farms. We have lost our crops. We have lost our livelihood. We have lost virtually every means of sustaining our families. We need urgent relief. We need humanitarian assistance. We need support to rebuild our lives," he added, stressing the importance of immediate aid while the judicial process unfolds.

The community is requesting emergency cash, food, and agricultural inputs to help affected farmers resume their work. They have also called for an independent assessment of the agricultural losses incurred. Furthermore, the residents lamented the lack of basic infrastructure in Ajogbo Akia, pointing out that they have lived without electricity, adequate roads, or public healthcare facilities for years.

Adebiyi stated, "Our community has historically had limited government presence and basic public infrastructure. For generations, our people have lived without electricity supply, government public road infrastructure serving the community, a government-owned public school and a government health clinic or primary healthcare facility."

The community is urging the Ogun State Government, led by Governor Dapo Abiodun, to send a delegation to assess the situation and provide the necessary support to the affected families. They emphasized that their request is not for the government to intervene in the legal proceedings but to assist those suffering from economic devastation in the interim.

As the community awaits a response, they remain hopeful for a resolution that will restore their livelihoods and improve their living conditions.