Tension In Enugu! Community Cries Out Over Forceful Takeover Of Ancestral Lands

Tension is mounting in the Nguru community, located in Nsukka Local Government Area of Enugu State, over an alleged attempt by a government agency to seize their ancestral land without prior consultation or compensation.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

Residents claim that bulldozers have already begun clearing the land at Agbani, Nguru Nsukka, even though no formal discussions were held with community leaders.

The situation escalated when angry youths stormed the site, demanding an immediate halt to the project. During a protest, Mr. Ejiofor Ozioko, President of the Nguru Youth Association, accused unnamed individuals of operating under the guise of government to forcefully acquire their land.

Ozioko noted that the administration of Governor Peter Mbah has a proper process for land acquisition, and the lack of official communication suggests those behind the move may not be acting on behalf of the state.

“If it were truly the government, they would approach us formally. Instead, they’ve deployed bulldozers that destroyed crops worth millions without any agreement,” he said.

He emphasized that the youths would continue to monitor the site and resist further work until proper engagement and compensation are made.

“Ninety-nine percent of our people are farmers. This land feeds families and pays school fees. Destroying it is destroying lives,” he added.

He described the destruction of crops such as pepper, garden eggs, and tomatoes as devastating, particularly for women and widows who rely heavily on the farmland for survival.

The Traditional Ruler of Nguru, HRH Igwe Linus Obayi, confirmed that he was never informed of any plan by the state to acquire the land.

“If I had been consulted, I would have engaged my people. I commend the youths for their unity and resolve in protecting our community’s heritage,” he stated.

A concerned indigene, speaking anonymously, echoed the community’s grievances, alleging that agents from the Enugu State Housing Corporation were behind the encroachment.

“Our ancestral lands at Agbal Nguru and around the Government Technical College are under siege. Bulldozers are razing crops, and livelihoods are being destroyed — all without dialogue or consent,” the source lamented.

He accused the agents of operating with greed and total disregard for the people’s welfare.

“Our land is our identity. We have previously given land for schools, churches, and health centers. But this is unjust and must stop,” he said, urging Governor Mbah to intervene and uphold justice.

Meanwhile, Mr. Christian Ogbu, the state surveyor for Enugu North Senatorial District, claimed he was working under instructions from the Enugu State Housing Corporation.

“I was told that there was an agreement between the government and the community. But with this conflict, I will wait until both parties resolve the issue,” he said.

However, Mr. Gerald Asogwa, Managing Director of the Enugu Housing Development Corporation, denied any plans to seize land from Nguru for a housing estate. He attributed the situation to a communication gap.

He clarified that the corporation had only requested an access road to a housing estate located on Odoru community land and dismissed claims that crops were destroyed during the process.

Asogwa stated that discussions were already underway with the community and expressed optimism that an agreement would be reached soon.

“There’s no intention to take over Nguru’s land. We’re waiting for a scheduled meeting with community leaders to iron things out,” he concluded.