The Enugwu-Agidi Community in the Awka Capital Territory of Anambra State, is currently in turmoil following a dispute between the Nigeria Air Force (NAF) Green Garden Estate and the host community over alleged unlawful land acquisition
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The dispute was a result of an estate project being constructed by NAF in a large expanse of land in the community for 800 duplexes purported to be for personnel of the force.
According to the developers of the estate ” NAF Green Garden Estate, ” was said to be strategically located within Enugwu-Agidi community in the Awka Capital Territory.
The developers further announced that, application forms for the estate were already available for purchases and urged interested members of the public to make prompt payments to secure property in a “serene, secure, and strategically positioned environment with significant investment potential.”
The statement further outlined the proposed features and facilities of the estate to include: maximum security, proximity to a Nigerian Air Force base; a gated layout, asphalted roads, 24-hour power and water supply, Creche Nursery and Primary School, a shopping mall, a standard clinic, street lighting, a CCTV control room, a fire service station, and recreational facilities such as a swimming pool, lawn tennis court, basketball and volleyball courts, badminton courts, indoor sports facilities, and a five-a-side football pitch.
The estate was described as a prime real estate investment destination within the Awka Capital Territory.
Interested persons were directed to make further inquiries through Doman Strata Properties Ltd via the phone numbers provided in the announcement.
However, the leadership of Enugwu-Agidi has strongly opposed the project, alleging intimidation and unlawful occupation of communal land.
However, in a statement issued by Prince (Dr.) Chinedu Ikeanyi, the community accused one Marc Benito Ozigbo, described as a native of Enugwu-Ukwu and proprietor of Green Gardens Limited, of deploying armed military personnel to enforce control over the disputed land.
Ikeanyi alleged that Ozigbo, through Green Gardens Limited, has taken over more than 150 plots of land in the Ezionugo area, near the boundary between Enugwu-Agidi and Nawgu, and stationed armed military personnel there on a round-the-clock basis.
“If those lands were rightfully and legally purchased from the community, why would armed military personnel be stationed there?” he queried.
He appealed to the Governor of Anambra State, Professor Chukwuma Soludo, to investigate the matter and intervene before the situation escalates.
According to Ikeanyi, the presence of armed soldiers on communal land is an indication of alleged illegal acquisition and high-handedness.
He argued that the Nigerian Constitution does not assign the military any role in resolving land disputes and questioned why military personnel would be deployed to a civilian community over a private estate project.
He further claimed that approximately two years ago, Ozigbo, allegedly working with suspected land grabbers and local youths, invaded Enugwu-Agidi farmlands and erected a signboard bearing the inscription, “Military Zone – Keep Off.” The community leadership said its own enquiries to the Nigerian Army’s 82 Division in Enugu and the 302 Artillery Regiment in Onitsha did not confirm any official military project in the town, raising concerns that the name of the Nigerian military might be used without proper authorization.
Ikeanyi attributed the worsening land disputes in the area to longstanding internal challenges, including the activities of land speculators and youth groups allegedly involved in the sale of communal lands.
He also accused certain past town union officials of enabling land grabbing, thereby exacerbating tensions within the community.
He disclosed that on December 29, 2025, Enugwu-Agidi elected a new town union executive led by Chief Pius Nwankwo, who has pledged to tackle the problem of land grabbing.
According to him, the new administration has banned the entry of caterpillars, bulldozers, and other earth-moving equipment into community lands without prior approval.
Despite this directive, Ikeanyi alleged that Ozigbo and armed personnel have continued to clear ancestral lands in defiance of the ban.
The community leadership has once again called on Governor Soludo and the Anambra State Government to urgently intervene, investigate the alleged deployment of military personnel by a private individual, and prevent a breakdown of law and order.
“We are law-abiding citizens, but our patience is being tested. We urge the government to act swiftly to forestall any crisis,” Ikeanyi stated.
