Fides Media Living the Faith
– Ask Obiano for Help
By Ikeugonna Eleke
Landlords and Residents of Egwuatu Estate, Abata Nsugbe, Anambra State, have staged a peaceful protest over the invasion of their area by land speculators.
The protesters who spoke to Fides during the protest accused land speculators of destroying their property and inflicting injuries on some residents.
The Chairman of Egwuatu Landlords Association, Mr Emeka Ojukwu, who addressed journalists said, ‘We acquired legitimate property from the Egwuatu family over 15 years ago and have all lived peacefully in the area without any dispute from any quarters until the latest invasion from strange people.’
The residents displayed placards with various inscriptions like: “Governor Obiano, IGP, save us from our oppressors”, ”Right to ownership of property is our fundamental right”, “Our lives and those of our family members are in great danger, save our souls”, “We don’t want violence and bloodshed”.
Other inscriptions on their placards read: “Nigeria Police, rise up to your duty please”, “Cost of living is very hard in Nigeria today”, ”Stop destroying our property and building materials”, among others.
Ojukwu, while giving further insight into their predicament, said the attackers also invaded his compound and ransacked his property while most of the residents of the estate could not enter their homes presently for fear of their lives.
‘We have restrained ourselves from resorting to self-help or bringing thugs to fight for our rights too; rather, a petition has been sent to the police authorities in Abuja, Zone 13 Ukpo and the Command Headquarters, Anambra State.’
The Police Public Relations Officer, Anambra State Command, DSP Toochukwu Ikenga, confirmed that a petition from the group had reached the CP and that preliminary investigations had begun.
Said he, ‘It is a case of encroachment and boundary dispute. Police have waded into the matter to forestall crisis, while some people have been invited for questioning. We advised parties involved to maintain peace and explore legal options when necessary,’ Ikenga said.