Eight autonomous communities in Ngor-Okpala local government area of Imo State have appealed to President Bola Tinubu to intervene in what they describe as a military siege on their 30,000 hectares of ancestral farmland.
Dr. Ugo Jim-Nwoko, spokesperson for the Mbaishi autonomous communities, told journalists at a press conference in Abuja on Wednesday that armed military personnel have occupied their farmlands for nine months, preventing residents from accessing their means of livelihood.
The affected communities include Umuchie Eziama, Umulu, Umuegirige, Umuogba Eziama, Umuocham Ntu, Umuokpo Ntu, Umuhoko Ntu, and Alatia.
"Our indigenes are being intimidated and cowed, thereby giving the Imo State government and the Zion Ministry the latitude to encroach on our farmlands," Jim-Nwoko stated. "They have destroyed all economic trees and other crops which are the main economic sustenance of our agrarian economy."
History of the Land Dispute
According to Jim-Nwoko, the dispute dates back to 2006 when former Governor Achike Udenwa attempted to acquire 2,000 hectares of the land to build a Chinese Village. The project was reportedly abandoned following opposition to what the communities termed a "fraudulent acquisition."
The spokesperson revealed that two villages subsequently took the Imo State government to court and secured judgments that annulled the acquisition and granted a perpetual order restraining the government from trespassing on the land.
Despite these court orders, Jim-Nwoko alleged that the current administration under Governor Hope Uzodinma has made forceful moves to take over the land, allocating it to a Zion Ministry Church for the construction of a factory to produce religious items and a worship center.
"Such land can only be acquired by government in the overriding public interest and not to serve the interest of any church or individual, no matter how highly placed or connected," he argued, citing constitutional provisions on land acquisition.
Appeal for Presidential Intervention
The community leaders, accompanied by public affairs analyst Dr. Sam Amadi and Barrister Armstrong Ukwuoma, called on President Tinubu, the Chief of Army Staff, and the Inspector-General of Police to withdraw security personnel from their land.
"We are peace-loving and law-abiding citizens who will not take laws into our hands," Jim-Nwoko emphasized, expressing concern that the situation could escalate into security challenges if not addressed promptly.
The communities are particularly anxious to regain access to their farmlands as the planting season approaches, noting that agriculture remains their primary source of livelihood.
As of press time, there has been no official response from the Imo State government or the military regarding these allegations.
