A Frustrating Experience With Land Ownership

Our first piece of land was taken from us by unknown men, and we felt compelled to let it go out of fear for our lives. Later on, in 2016, we acquired another piece of land and built a fence around it for security. Although we received documents affirming our ownership, before we could open our eyes and start developing the land properly, we found that a house had already been built on our property. The owner of that house bluntly refused to vacate, which was not his fault.

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After much effort in disturbing the person who sold us the land, we discovered that the land was given to them by their late grandfather
unknown to him which one belongs to, he sold it to us thinking it was his own. Then, the rightful owner sold it to the person who built it till today. This was yet another loss for us. With each setback, anxiety has found itself rooted deeper within me, I don't want it to happen again.

After getting another one with all the experiences we have had on the issue of land became fearful. So, money is needed ASAP to avoid another story but the reality of the financial burden required to build something meaningful on this land becomes even more pressing. The fear that we might lose this third land again is worrisome, creating serious anxiety that is messing up my mental health.

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Someone suggested that we report the matter to the police. However, we all know that the Nigerian police are not trustworthy in the area of bribes and have a way of extorting the small change left in your hand a case they can handle perfectly. Another person said we should take the case to the king, but I totally declined because the king is known to be the mastermind behind a land-snatching scheme in my area.

I’ve come to believe that the only real way to tackle this problem is by building on the land ourselves and starting to live there. If we don’t take action, we risk suffering another loss that we can not afford. The situation with touts selling and reselling land is becoming unimaginable. It’s as though moral standards have been thrown out the window entirely, with individuals capitalizing on others' misfortunes.

The entire experience is overwhelming, and I can only hope that things will improve before I reach my breaking point. I wish for peace of mind and the ability to move forward with my life and plans for the land without the shadow of fear creeping over us. My thoughts are clouded with anxiety; despite holding all the necessary documents, we are still wondering in anxiety if our investment will be in vain and won't stop disturbing my mental health.

I just hope that we can find money to resolve these issues before they consume me entirely. We deserve a chance to work and enjoy our land without fear, and I pray it becomes a reality soon.
The anxiety is overwhelming!

My response to the #hivelearners weekly writing edition on the title: Anxiety.

The images are sourced.