Residents of Egwe autonomous community in Oguta Local Government Area of Imo State have staged a protest against what they described as an unlawful encroachment and forceful takeover of their ancestral land by the local council authorities.
The protest was triggered by a public notice issued by the Oguta Local Council Authority through Nwamkpa Modestus, chairman of the Committee on Land Recovery, which restrained the community from entering and utilizing the land in question.
According to community representatives, the disputed land was formerly designated as Oruru-Government Station Layout during former Governor Sam Mbakwe's administration. However, they maintain that the planned layout was never implemented.
The public notice also directed individuals who own land in the area to present their original documents at the local government council headquarters for verification.
Mr. Vitus Onwudiwe, the Land Committee Chairman of the Community, speaking with BenriNews, questioned the legitimacy of the council's claims, stating: "Where is government survey plan and documentation of this said land? Who and who signed and handed over this said land to government and under which conditions was it signed?"
Onwudiwe further inquired whether there was any perimeter survey to determine the exact hectares of land involved or any Memorandum of Understanding between the government, the community, and individual landowners.
The Egwe Progressive Union (EPU) emphasized that landowners have been utilizing the property without hindrance until the recent publication from the local council authority. They expressed concern that as stakeholders, they should have been informed about discussions regarding their land rather than being taken by surprise.
"If government is interested in taking our land for the general wellbeing of the people, there is nothing wrong about it, but due process must be followed and the host community must have MOU with genuine government officials from the Ministry of Lands," Onwudiwe stated.
The community has vowed to take all necessary legal actions to resist attempts by any person or group trying to take over their land under the guise of government authority. They have accused the local government of attempting to use the state government's name to acquire their land for personal interests.
In response to the situation, the community, through their legal representatives, has written to Governor Hope Uzodinma, the State Ministry of Lands, and the State Housing Corporation to inform them of what they describe as an abnormal development.
The dispute highlights ongoing tensions between local communities and government authorities over land rights and proper procedures for land acquisition in Imo State.
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