Naija News • 2h ago
Court victory sparks fresh tension in Enugu community
**Fresh Tension Brews in Enugu Community Over Ancestral Land**
In the aftermath of a court victory, the Umuedenwoko family in Akpugo, Enugu State, is embroiled in a fresh dispute over their ancestral farmland. This is despite a 2023 court judgment that ruled in their favour, declaring the land as theirs. Instead of celebrating their triumph, the family is now facing intimidation and harassment from unknown individuals who are allegedly developing the land without their consent.
The Ngene-Ugbugbo land in question spans approximately 299 hectares and has been the subject of a 13-year legal battle. The Umuedenwoko family has been claiming ownership of the land since 1978, when it was first surveyed, and obtained a customary right of occupancy in 1993. However, the dispute escalated after the creation of new autonomous communities in the area during the administration of former Enugu State Governor Chimaroke Nnamani.
Today, the family is facing a new challenge as heavy earth-moving equipment has been deployed on the land, and armed security personnel are stationed around the area. A signboard announcing plans to build a police secondary school on the land has also been erected, further fueling tensions in the community.
According to Chief Ikem Okenwa, Secretary of Umuedenwoko Family Union and Umuedenwoko Farmers' Cooperative Society Limited, the family is being intimidated and their rights disregarded. He insisted that the land has always belonged to the Umuedenwoko family and that they will not back down in their fight for justice.
The situation in Akpugo highlights the ongoing challenges faced by communities in Nigeria in protecting their ancestral lands and rights. As the dispute continues to unfold, the Umuedenwoko family is calling on the authorities to intervene and ensure that their rights are respected.
This development is a stark reminder of the importance of upholding the rule of law and protecting the rights of indigenous communities in Nigeria. As the Enugu State government and other stakeholders grapple with the implications of this dispute, one thing is clear: the Umuedenwoko family will not rest until they have secured their ancestral land and ensured that justice is served.