Land dispute: We acted in error over protest, community begs Gov. Ugwuanyi
Umunugwu community in Enugu-South local government area of Enugu state, has apologised to Gov. Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi and the Enugu South Local Government Area Chairman, Mr Chimezie Nkwuo, over its protest on Jan. 17.
They appealed to Ugwuanyi and Nkwuo to forgive them and continue the road work in the area, saying that they had thought that the state government and the council chairman wanted to encroach on their ancestral land without their approval.
The community had on Jan. 17 protested over a perceived encroachment into their ancestral land situated along the Enugu-Port Harcourt expressway.
While calling on Gov. Ugwuanyi for help, they pointedly accused Nkwuo of being the arrow head of grabbing their land.
An investigation revealed that the government was the one clearing the land in a bid to construct an access road to the community.
Speaking to NAN on the issue on Sunday in Enugu, Okwudili Aniagu, Chairman, Umunugwu General Assembly, said they thought government wanted to enter into their land without informing them.
“But unfortunately, where they cleared is not our own but a shared boundary with ours.
“So we are here today to make peace and beg our chairman and Gov. Ugwuanyi to forgive us as Nkwuo is even our brother.
“We have found out the truth and we are begging the state government to continue with the road work,” Aniagu pleaded.
Corroborating what Aniagu said, Elder Friday Onovo said they had resolved all the issues surrounding the land, adding that they were calling on the general public to disregard their earlier protest.
“We acted in error, the chairman is our son and brother,” he said.
A youth, Donatus Agbo, added that they had settled all issues surrounding the disputed land, saying that, “We thank God for the peace”.
Responding, Nkwuo who is a member of the community, said community members were his brothers, explaining that some people who did not like him misled them into the protest.
According to him, the state government is the one constructing a road on the land at Ugwuaji International Building Material Market that shares a boundary with Umunugwu land.
“I have accepted their apology and my concern is how to attract development and amenities to my people and ensure that what belong to them is not denied them, not taking over their lands.
“The road, if completed, will help open up the area,” Nkwuo said.
