Girls from Amanato Eziama Nneato group in Umunneochi Native Authorities Space of Abia State on Tuesday staged a peaceable protest on the Authorities Home, Umuahia, calling for pressing intervention by Governor Alex Otti over an escalating land dispute with their neighbouring Umuacha Umuobi group.
The protesters, led by the Girls’s Wing of Amalato Ukwu, alleged that the lingering dispute, at present earlier than the Court docket of Attraction, has resulted in repeated arrests of their husbands and youngsters by safety operatives, leaving many households displaced and residing in worry.
Talking on behalf of the ladies, Secretary of the group, Ezinne Chief Chidi Okoro Amalato Ukwu, lamented that their group has been below fixed harassment, alleging that their farmlands are being encroached upon, crops destroyed, and residents forcefully arrested.
“Our land has been taken from us. Each day, they arrive to arrest our kids and husbands. We are actually residing within the bush with out peace. A few of these arrested have spent over 21 days in detention with out entry to their households, and we’re not even allowed to bail them,” she mentioned.
Additionally addressing Authorities officers, Mrs. Janet Nwankwo traced the origin of the dispute to a historic resettlement association, alleging that their forefathers had accommodated the Umuacha individuals, who later laid declare to the land.
She additional disclosed that the battle, which has reportedly continued for many years, has disrupted regular life locally, with residents unable to entry their farms and even shared water sources.
“We not sleep in our houses. Our males are hiding, our youths are being arrested, and our President Normal was not too long ago launched after weeks in detention. We’re pleading with the Governor to intervene and make sure the launch of these nonetheless in custody,” she appealed.
Names of these allegedly detained embrace Christian Obidike, Chidiebube Alaebo, Oliver Maduwugwu, and Chibuzor Nwafor, whereas the group’s President Normal, Elder Simon Ndubuisi, was mentioned to have been not too long ago launched after spending time in police custody.
Responding to the protest, the Chief of Workers to the Governor, Pastor Caleb Ajagba, assured the ladies that the State Authorities is worried about their plight and would take obligatory steps to handle the scenario.
“We’ve got listened to your complaints. The Governor despatched us, and we are going to convey your message to him. A written doc on the matter will assist information applicable motion. Be assured that the federal government will look into this challenge,” Ajagba said.
Equally, the Particular Adviser to the Governor on Political Issues, Hon. Acho Obioma, reiterated the administration’s dedication to justice and peaceable coexistence amongst communities within the state.
“Our Governor is a good chief who believes within the security of all Abians. We’ll current your issues to him, and the matter will probably be dealt with appropriately. We urge you to stay peaceable and never take the regulation into your arms,” he mentioned.
The Abia State Authorities emphasised that it could examine the matter totally, together with listening to from the Umuacha Umuobi group, with a view to attaining an amicable decision.
The protest highlights rising tensions within the space, as residents proceed to name for pressing authorities intervention to stop additional escalation and restore peace between the neighbouring communities.