Enugu Community Protests Alleged Conversion of Land To Private Use

Ikem, the host community, of Isi-Uzo Council Area headquarters, yesterday, protested against the alleged conversion of parts of the council secretariat premises into a housing estate.

The protesters, drawn from different age groups of the town’s indigenes, argued that the land was given to the Isi-Uzo County Council in 1974 for local government administration purposes, not for private residences.

Some of the placards carried by the protesters read: “Develop our land for public interest, not private interest,” “Bring more development, not selling of our land,” and “This land belongs to our people,” among others.

The traditional ruler of Ikem-Uno community and Chairman of the Isi-Uzo Traditional Rulers’ Council, Igwe Okechukwu Ogbodo, said the community was seeking the restoration of their rights through a peaceful protest, not a violent or aggressive one.

He said he had engaged with the council chairman, Mr Obiora Obeagu, on the matter, but felt Obeagu was evasive until the community learned the land was being sold.

When contacted, the chairman of the council, Mr. Obiora Obeagu, stated that the land no longer belongs to the community since it was given to the government. He noted that the council had exhausted discussions with the community on the matter.

Obeagu said the council has a survey plan dated 1972 and accused the community of “looking for trouble” by claiming the land belongs to them. He challenged the community to produce their documents if they believe there has been encroachment on their land.