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We have compensated Kuchibedna community three times -Developer
By Wumi Tewogbade, Abuja
The owner and developer of of Plot 67, Cadastral Zone C05, Kafe District, on Thursday, revealed that the Kuchibedna community illegal occupants have been compensated on three different occasions, yet refused to vacate the land.
He added that the compensation were paid in 2011, 2015 and 2016 and despite four court judgments, the villagers didn’t vacate the plot hence the enforcement.
The counsel to Winning Clause Nig. Ltd, O. Marx Ikongbeh, Esq, stated this while fielding questions from journalists at the site of the removal of the illegal occupants on the plot, in Abuja.
The counsel revealed that the company was allocated the land under the Abuja Mass Housing Programme in 2011 to develop an estate and when the company took possession of the land, they met a very small settlement, not more than about 20 houses.
He went further, “They engaged the natives, and compensation was paid with the understanding that they would relocate. However, after receiving the first tranche of compensation, the community sued the company at the FCT High Court.
“In total, compensation was paid not once, not twice, but three times to everyone involved.
“In its 2016 judgment, the FCT High Court ruled that the natives had no legal claim to compensation,despite having already collected money, and declared them trespassers who must vacate the land. Even after this judgment, the company continued to engage with the community on humanitarian grounds, especially because the village had expanded during the court cases. Natives had sold land to non-natives, and many more people moved in.
“A second round of compensation was paid in 2015. Unknown to the company at the time, the community had again filed a fresh suit at the FCT High Court. The judge dismissed the case as an abuse of court process, insisting that they comply with the earlier 2016 judgment. Despite this, the community still refused to move.
“Interestingly, the village chief, Mr. George Gozebo—who was the first plaintiff in the first suit and the first appellant in the appeal, had sold his own land to non-natives and left the village. He later returned, occupied estate land, and built a house there.
“At that point, the company had no choice but to approach the FCT High Court again, seeking enforcement. In 2021, the court reaffirmed that Winning Cross Nigeria Limited is the rightful owner of the land and directed the FCT Minister to take possession and hand over the land to the company so it could commence development. The villagers appealed this judgment”.
Ikongbeh, said the final judgment was in February 2025, the Court of Appeal , upholding the company’s ownership, directing the villagers to vacate, and mandating the FCT Minister to give the company vacant possession.
He further explained that the ongoing enforcement is based on four separate court judgments, three from the FCT High Court and one from the Court of Appeal, all saying the same thing: the settlement is illegal, and the occupants are trespassing.
“Beyond compensation paid in 2011 and 2015, the community also requested an additional amount for traditional rites to “relocate their ancestors” from the land. This money was also paid in 2016, under an agreement mediated by the Sa’peyi of Garki. The agreement was documented and signed, acknowledging receipt of the funds.
“Despite all this, the community refused to leave and instead expanded significantly, selling land to non-natives who built without any FCTA approval”, he lamented.
He noted that all the compensation that were paid were in compliance to valuation and accessement every structure, farm, and crop, by the relevant agency.
He also said the village tgat have illegally expanded over the years also occupied part of Ring Road 3, in the district.
By Felix Umande, Makurdi
Benue State Governor Rev. Fr. Hyacinth Alia has approved the appointment of Dr. Ihu Eunice Ogbenyi as Acting Head of Service of the state civil service.
The appointment follows the death of the late Dr. Moses Agbogbo Ode, who served as Head of Service from 2023 until 2026.
Dr. Ogbenyi, an indigene of Oju LGA born on 12th June 1973, was Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Lands and Survey before her elevation. She brings nearly three decades of public service experience to the role.
She obtained her Nigeria Certificate in Education in Maths/Physics in 1996 from the College of Education, Oju. She later earned a B.Sc in 2005, Masters in 2010, and Ph.D in 2021, all in Mathematics Education from Fr. Adasu University, Makurdi.
Dr. Ogbenyi joined the Benue State Teaching Service Board in 1998 as Principal Assistant Education Officer II. Her service was transferred to the Ministry of Education in February 2012, where she rose to Deputy Director, Education in the Department of Planning, Research and Statistics. She also headed the Joint Consultative Committee on Education/National Council on Education unit and served as Assistant Head of the Education Management Information System unit.
While congratulating the new Acting HoS, Governor Alia charged her to uphold continuity, professionalism, and public service in her stewardship.
“As you assume this critical role, I charge you with the responsibilities, principles, and priorities that will guide your stewardship and ensure continuity, professionalism, and service to the public,” the governor said.
“You must ensure your official actions conform with the vision and principles of this administration to continue with the reforms in the civil service and uphold at all times the sanctity and dignity of your office. You must ensure in all your official dealings that the interest of the state comes first.”
By Son Tertsea, Abuja
The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, Monday took responsibility for the continued roaming of cattle on major roads and streets across Abuja, admitting that the situation remains a concern despite efforts to improve the capital city.
While addressing journalists during his monthly media briefing in Abuja on Monday, he regretted the development giving assurance to address it:
“I apologise that up till now there are cows still roaming the streets of Abuja, I take responsibility.”
Wike also highlighted ongoing infrastructure projects beyond the city centre to the communities in satellite towns.
“Our attention is not only on developing the city centres of Abuja. We are also working in all the Area Councils.
“We are providing infrastructure everywhere across the FCT.”
Wike further promised that project inaugurations would commence in June with President Bola Tinubu as part of activities marking the administration’s third year in office.
“To celebrate Mr President’s three years in office, the FCTA will commission projects for the next 31 days commencing June 8, 2026.”
The road projects executed across the FCT, according to him, have continued to improve access amid strengthening security in several communities.
The President of the Senate, Senator Godswill Akpabio, GCON, has lauded the Governor of Akwa Ibom state, Pastor Umo Eno, on his 62nd birthday, describing him as a man who embodies the grace of God and the silent strength of purposeful leadership.
In a congratulatory message personally signed by him, Akpabio praised the governor’s ARISE Agenda, which he said has transitioned from vision to visible impact.
“Your Excellency and my brother, Pastor Umo Eno, on behalf of my family, and the good people of Akwa Ibom North West Senatorial District, the 10th Senate of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, and indeed the National Assembly, I extend my warmest felicitations to you on the joyous occasion of your 62nd birthday.
“At 62, you embody the grace of God and the quiet strength of purposeful leadership. Your ARISE Agenda has moved from vision to visible impact — in agriculture, rural development, infrastructure, security, and social empowerment — giving our people renewed hope and tangible dividends of democracy.
“I particularly commend your politics of inclusivity. By running an open, broad-based administration that embraces all Akwa Ibomites regardless of party or creed, you have lowered the political temperature in our state and fostered unity. That is statesmanship, and it is yielding peace as a foundation for progress, growth and opportunities.
“Under your watch, Akwa Ibom continues on the path of steady development — from roads and healthcare upgrades to support for SMEs and human capital growth. You are building on our shared heritage while charting a compassionate, people-first course for the future.
“As you mark this new age, my prayer is that Almighty God will grant you greater wisdom, sound health, and enduring strength to keep serving our dear state and nation. May your years be long, and may Akwa Ibom continue to ARISE under your leadership”.
Happy 62nd birthday, Your Excellency.
Rt Hon Eseme Eyiboh mnipr
Special Adviser on Media/Publicity
Office of the President of the Senate
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