Stephen Ukandu, Umuahia
Residents of Umuawafor, Umuokorojo, and Umuogu villages in Arungwa Autonomous Community, Osisioma Ngwa LGA of Abia State, have protested an alleged move by the State Government to “forcefully acquire” their remaining ancestral land for a proposed Smart City project.
The villagers said they had previously donated large portions of land for government projects, including the permanent site of Ogbonnaya Onu Polytechnic, and could no longer afford to lose the last available expanse. They also argued that the land was already largely sold to private developers.
Spokesman and Town Union Secretary, Mr. Apollos Ufomba, appealed to Governor Alex Otti to stop what he described as “intruders” using the government’s name to seize land. He recalled that the community had earlier fought off a similar attempt in 2009 through a protracted court battle.
Ufomba alleged that the individuals pushing the acquisition were working with security agents to intimidate residents and force them to sign documents.
A lawyer for some private developers, Mr. Charles Edward, also said his clients were never notified of any acquisition, insisting that no legal process—such as notice or compensation—had been followed.
But Commissioner for Lands, Mr. Chaka Chukwumerije, dismissed the allegations, saying government followed due process and was acquiring the land for overriding public interest under the Aba Master Plan. He assured that genuine landowners would be identified and compensated.
