A coalition of civil society organisations in Edo State has sounded the alarm over the resurgence of Community Development Associations (CDAs), accusing them of extortion, harassment, and land grabbing across several communities.
The groups warned that the activities of the outlawed CDAs, which were banned under the Edo State Private Property Protection Law of 2016, threaten peace, investment, and sustainable development in the state.
Former Governor Godwin Obaseki signed the law in 2017 to curb the violent activities of CDAs, which had long been accused of disrupting construction projects, attacking landowners, and fuelling bloodshed. The legislation, backed by the Oba of Benin, Oba Ewuare II, was enforced to protect citizens from forceful occupation of their property.
However, the CSOs say the problem is re-emerging. In a statement issued by Emmanuel Ogbidi and made available to Hobnob News, the coalition lamented that CDA members are once again demanding illegal levies, destroying properties, and physically attacking residents — including an August 4 assault on Comrade Osunbor Kelly in Edo South Senatorial District.
“These illegal acts erode public trust in government’s ability to maintain law and order, and are now fuelling other forms of insecurity, including cult killings, gang wars, armed robbery, and kidnapping,” the statement read.
The coalition called on Governor Monday Okpebholo to:
Reaffirm the state’s zero-tolerance stance on land grabbing
Strengthen enforcement of the Private Property Protection Law
Establish a dedicated toll-free line for citizens to report CDA harassment
Arrest and prosecute perpetrators of recent attacks
The groups stressed that Edo people should not be subjected to “illegal taxation” by community leaders after paying statutory taxes to government. They expressed confidence that decisive action would restore peace, investor confidence, and community stability.
