Every layman finds the presence of a surveyor on any piece of land whenever beacons are on
the ground permanently. When these beacons are conspicuously absent, it becomes difficult to
relate the field observations to the plan. The relationship which the survey beacons establish
with the survey records cannot be over emphasized but unfortunately, people destroy, tamper
and remove beacons as a result of ignorance of its purpose and usefulness. The destruction or
removal of survey beacons by some members of the public. They regard survey beacons as
simply inconsequential cement mixtures left behind by surveyors after clearing the bush. The
government agencies that are aware of the significance of survey beacons and the laws
protecting them do not enforce the laws.
In some cases, the destruction or removal of survey marks by the public is not out of malice
but ignorance of the law. For example, some farmers sharpen their machetes on top of
beacons thereby disturbing the position. The farmers intention is not to remove the beacon but
simply does not know why it there. Another farmer or hunter may decide to crack his palm
kernel or just use survey beacon as bench when he wants to rest. In some soft soils, the survey
beacons are removed by the public and used as seat in the farm.
Having said this, some of the beacons are removed out of malice. This may be as a result of
fear that Mr. A is taking over the property of Mr. B. This is the fear of the unknown because
the correct approach should have been to find out the purpose of survey, and make legal
representation when it affects you. It is a wrong approach to remove or tamper with any
survey beacon in the absence of the surveyor. The traditional rulers who are aware of Land
Use Decree 1978 and the Survey Laws of the Federal Republic of Nigeria should from time to
time enlighten our rural dwellers on the importance of survey beacons. The member of the public should strictly comply with the provision of the Survey Laws and Land Use Decree
1978 on the occupation of land.