Residents of Umuezenevu Village in Ibute-Egede Autonomous Community, Udi Local Government Area of Enugu State, have taken to the streets in protest over what they describe as an illegal takeover of their ancestral land. The community, led by men, women, youth groups, and members of its land committee, marched from the Awele Udeh Civic Hall to the disputed land along the 9th Mile–Obollo Afor highway, displaying placards and demanding action from Governor Peter Mbah and Udi Local Government Chairman, Engr. Hyginus Agu.
Speaking to journalists at the site—identified as Phoenix Layout Phases One to Four—the Village Chairman, Elder Patrick Onodu, condemned the destruction of economic trees and farmlands by unidentified individuals who, without the community’s consent, began clearing and developing the land under the pretext of estate construction. Elder Onodu insisted that the community never sold or authorized any person or company to sell, advertise, or develop the land, declaring any such transactions invalid.
He emphasized that only the consent of Umuezenevu villagers and their traditional ruler, His Royal Highness, Igwe Dr. Ikenna Okwesili, can validate land dealings. Youth leaders, backing the chairman’s claims, reported that the encroachment began two to three months ago and had resulted in the loss of crops valued at over N5 billion, threatening their main source of livelihood.
The community filed a complaint with the Ezi Nze Police Station. After surveillance and investigation, the police identified EYA HOMES LTD as one of the companies behind the unauthorized activity. A meeting arranged by the police between the firm and community representatives initially failed, but eventually took place at Dragon Events Center, 82 Division, Enugu. Although the company’s Managing Director, Hon. Chinedu Eya, agreed to stop work and remove equipment from the land, the firm allegedly resumed construction shortly afterward.
Women leaders, Mrs. Bukki Anubueze and Mrs. Angela Mbaeze, voiced deep concerns, lamenting that they no longer had land to farm and feared their children would be left without land for future development.
As the protest ended, the community warned the public against dealing with suspected land speculators. Elder Onodu urged Governor Mbah, known for his tough stance against land grabbing, to intervene and uphold justice and peace for the people of Umuezenevu.
