Residents of Umuezenevu Village in Ibute-Egede Autonomous Community, Udi Local Government Area of Enugu State, have raised alarm over what they described as a forceful encroachment on their ancestral land by suspected land grabbers operating under the guise of estate development.
The protest, which took place on Saturday, saw men, women, youths, and members of the community’s land committee marching from the Awele Udeh Civic Hall to the disputed site along the 9th Mile–Obollo Afor dual carriageway. The demonstrators carried placards urging Governor Peter Mbah and the Local Government Chairman, Engr. Hyginus Agu, to intervene and stop what they termed an illegal takeover of their land.
Speaking at the site known as Phoenix Layout Phases One to Four, the Village Chairman, Elder Patrick Onodu, said the land was never sold or approved for any development. “No individual, company, or agent has our consent to sell, develop, or transact any business on this land. Any transaction done without the knowledge and consent of Umuezenevu people and our traditional ruler, His Royal Highness, Igwe Dr. Ikenna Okwesili, is null and void,” he said.
Onodu alleged that heavy machinery belonging to developers entered the land without notice, damaging vegetation and destroying economic trees and crops worth an estimated ₦5 billion.
According to the Youth Leaders, the community had lodged a complaint at Ezi Nze Police Station and conducted multiple surveillance visits that led to the identification of a development company, EYA Homes Ltd, as the party behind the encroachment.
Following police intervention, a meeting was convened between the community and the company’s Managing Director, Hon. Chinedu Eya. While both parties reportedly agreed at the meeting to halt all activity and remove equipment from the land, community members say the developers returned and resumed operations in breach of that agreement.
“This is a direct violation of our agreement, and it shows a complete disregard for the people of Umuezenevu,” Onodu said.
Women in the community also expressed concern about the impact on their livelihoods. “We farm here to feed our families. With our lands taken, we are left with nothing,” said Mrs. Bukki Anubueze, a local women leader. Another resident, Mrs. Angela Mbaeze, added, “If this continues, our children may have no land to call home in the future.”
The community has called on Governor Peter Mbah, known for his administration’s stance against land grabbing, to intervene and halt the alleged illegal activity.
Concluding the protest, the village chairman warned the public to be cautious about dealing with unverified estate agents or land developers. “We are law-abiding citizens. We believe in peace and due process. But we are appealing for justice before things get out of hand,” he said.
