Edo State Government Seals Brothel Built Inside Primary School, Recovers Over 2,000 Encroached Land Plots

In a shocking revelation that has sparked outrage across Edo State, the Edo State Government has uncovered and sealed off a brothel illegally constructed inside the premises of Ujuele Primary School in Esan West Local Government Area. This discovery was part of a broader crackdown on land encroachment and the illegal conversion of public property, including schools, across the state.

The disturbing development was disclosed by Eugene Okolosie, the State Coordinator for the Protection of Government Property, during a press conference held in Benin City on Thursday, May 22, 2025.

A Brothel Inside a School? The Alarming State of Public Property Encroachment in Edo State

According to Okolosie, the illegal brothel was not only an affront to public decency but also posed a grave danger to the safety and moral upbringing of school children who are supposed to be learning in a safe and structured environment.

“Also, in Ujuele Primary School, they built a brothel inside the school, and we have sealed the brothel, and some of these properties will be converted, as we are presently discussing this peculiar issue with the governor,” he stated.

The discovery of this brothel highlights the extent to which public property, especially school land, is being abused by land grabbers and unscrupulous individuals who stop at nothing to profit off government land.

2,000+ Plots of Government Land Recovered

In addition to sealing the illegal brothel, the government has also recovered more than 2,000 plots of land that had been unlawfully taken over across various parts of Edo State. This effort is part of an ongoing campaign to reclaim all illegally acquired government lands, especially those meant for schools and other public utilities.

“A lot of government properties have been encroached upon. Seven percent of our moat has been taken over, and the most affected is our public schools,” Okolosie said.

Ambrose Alli University and School Lands Targeted

The illegal acquisition of government land is not limited to primary schools alone. Okolosie revealed that even Ambrose Alli University (AAU) in Ekpoma has not been spared.

“In Ambrose Alli University alone, we have recovered plots of land from land grabbers,” he said.

He added that the local community had alerted the government that their signatures had been forged to facilitate the unlawful acquisition. As a result, the state intervened and recovered about 90% of the encroached land, including those originally allocated for schools.

Community Collusion and More Alarming Findings

In yet another alarming case of community complicity, Okolosie disclosed that in Iyoba community, residents divided the school land into two and sold off half to private individuals.

“In Iyoba, the community on their own shared the school land into two and sold half to individuals,” he stated.

This act not only deprives children of a conducive learning environment but also sets a dangerous precedent for the future of public education in the state.

In a bizarre twist, it was also discovered that a kitchen had been constructed right next to a classroom, causing strong food aromas to waft into the learning area and distracting students.

“A kitchen was carved out next to a classroom. How will students learn with the aroma of stew getting into the classroom?” Okolosie asked rhetorically.

Over 150,000 Houses Built on Government Land

Beyond schools, the government has identified that over 150,000 houses across Edo State are currently sitting on government land. These structures were reportedly built without proper authorization, many of them facilitated by fraudulent land grabbers who deceive unsuspecting citizens.

Okolosie appealed to residents who wish to buy land to verify ownership and obtain clearance from the Edo Geographic Information Service (EdoGIS) before making any payments or developments.

“We appeal to those who want to acquire landed property to get clearance from the Edo Geographic Information Service, to avoid falling victim to the criminal activities of land grabbers,” he said.

Over 3,000 Petitions from Concerned Citizens

Highlighting the scale of the problem, Okolosie revealed that the agency has received more than 3,000 petitions in just the past two months from communities and individuals concerned about the illegal acquisition of government property. These reports have come from various local government areas and demonstrate just how widespread the issue has become.

“We have received over 3,000 petitions from communities regarding illegal acquisition of government property in the last two months,” he disclosed.

Okolosie assured the public that the government is taking all necessary steps to investigate these cases and recover illegally acquired property, especially when it affects critical infrastructure like schools, hospitals, and public parks.

Edo State Government Takes a Firm Stand Against Land Grabbers

The efforts by the Edo State Government reflect a renewed commitment to protect government property and restore law and order in the state's land acquisition processes. With a focus on school safety, property transparency, and community accountability, the administration is sending a strong message to those who believe they can violate the law with impunity.

The Role of EdoGIS and How Residents Can Protect Themselves

To combat this growing problem, the Edo State Government is urging residents and investors to work closely with EdoGIS, the agency responsible for verifying and authenticating land ownership. Through EdoGIS, buyers can access reliable data, secure land titles, and avoid falling victim to fraudulent transactions.

Conclusion: Reclaiming Edo’s Future Through Land Reform

The recent crackdown by the Edo State Government is a critical step towards restoring order, safety, and transparency in land administration across the state. The discovery of a brothel inside a primary school and the massive encroachment on educational and public lands underscore the urgent need for reforms and vigilance.

By encouraging transparency, reclaiming encroached lands, and holding perpetrators accountable, the state is laying the foundation for a better, safer, and more structured environment for future generations.