Shock in Edo: Brothel Uncovered Inside Primary School as Government Reclaims Land from Encroachers

 

A shocking revelation has emerged from Esan West Local Government Area of Edo State, where a fully operational brothel was discovered within the premises of a primary school. The state government, acting swiftly, has sealed off the illicit establishment and vowed to take decisive steps to prevent further abuse of public facilities.

The discovery was made public on Thursday during a press briefing in Benin City by Eugene Okolosie, the State Coordinator for the Protection of Government Property (PGP). Addressing reporters, Okolosie expressed deep concern over the extent of property violations across the state, highlighting the incident at Ujuele Primary School as particularly disturbing.

Community members reportedly alerted authorities to the presence of unauthorized activities on school grounds. Their complaints triggered an investigation which led to the uncovering of the brothel. According to Okolosie, some individuals went as far as forging community signatures to claim ownership of public land. This act of deception enabled the illegal occupation and repurposing of several government-owned properties.

Beyond the school brothel, a broader crackdown on land encroachment is underway across Edo State. Okolosie revealed that more than 2,000 plots of land illegally seized by land grabbers have been reclaimed. He noted that government properties, including lands originally designated for educational institutions, were among those affected.

Authorities have also uncovered that over 150,000 houses in the state sit on government land, raising concerns about the legality of numerous residential developments. While not all of these structures face immediate demolition, the government is said to be considering various strategies for regularization or reclamation, depending on the circumstances surrounding each case.

Efforts to recover these lands are ongoing, and discussions are already in motion with Governor Godwin Obaseki on potential ways to repurpose some of the reclaimed properties. Among the proposals under review is the conversion of such sites for public benefit, particularly in areas where infrastructure is lacking.

Okolosie emphasized the importance of community collaboration in curbing illegal property activities, urging residents to remain vigilant and report suspicious developments. He also underscored the administration’s commitment to safeguarding public assets and restoring the integrity of government institutions, particularly schools.

The Edo State Government’s actions mark a significant pushback against the growing influence of land racketeering and misuse of public infrastructure. The sealing of the brothel at Ujuele Primary School, though disturbing, signals a renewed determination to clamp down on impunity and reclaim state-owned property for rightful use.