96-year-old retired teacher, Umuenu residents protest alleged ancestral land grab in Anambra
By Sunny A. David, Awka
A 96-year-old retired teacher, Elder Stephen Okechukwu Okoye, has joined residents of Umuenu village in Umuawulu, Awka South Local Government Area of Anambra State, in protesting what they described as an attempt by neighbouring Enugwu quarter to take over their ancestral land.
The demonstrators appealed to Governor Chukwuma Soludo and other relevant authorities to intervene in the long-running dispute, warning that the situation could further threaten peace in the community if not properly addressed.
The protest also came amid grief over the death of a former Chairman of Umuenu village, Humphrey Obi, 49, whom residents alleged was attacked and killed while working on the disputed land. They claimed his death was connected to the land conflict, although the circumstances surrounding the incident and those responsible have not been independently confirmed.
The protesters, led by the President-General of Umuenu village, Comrade Benneth Mbolu, marched through the community carrying placards with messages including, “Enugwu, Leave Our Ancestral Land Alone,” “Agu Udo/Agu Ofu Land Belongs to Us,” and “Stop Fighting Ndi-Umuenu Over Their Ancestral Land.”
Speaking after the protest, Mbolu urged the state government to ensure that no further activities take place on the disputed land until the matter is resolved by the High Court in Awka.
According to him, the ownership dispute is before the court in Suit No. A/82/2021, stressing that the issue concerns ownership of the land rather than a boundary disagreement.
He maintained that the community wants the judicial process to proceed without interference, insisting that Umuenu is seeking full ownership of the disputed ancestral land.
Mbolu also alleged that the prolonged dispute has created fear among residents, making it difficult for many to access their farms or carry out their daily activities.
He further appealed to the Anambra State Government to remain impartial in handling the matter, especially in any intervention involving the state’s Boundary Commission, while allowing the court to determine the ownership dispute.
Also speaking, Elder Okoye called on Governor Soludo and relevant authorities to protect the community’s ancestral heritage and prevent any actions capable of escalating tensions.
The widow of the late Humphrey Obi, Mrs. Nkechi Obi, appealed to security agencies to investigate her husband’s death and ensure that those responsible are brought to justice. She said the incident has left her family in hardship and disrupted the education of their four children.
The protesters also demanded justice for the deceased, protection for residents, and respect for the ongoing judicial process.
As of the time of filing this report, neither the leadership of Enugwu quarter nor the Anambra State Government had responded to the allegations raised by the protesters.
