The Owo community in Nkanu East Local Government Area of Enugu State, home to Governor Peter Mbah, has called on the Nigerian Army to respect a subsisting court order regarding a long-standing land dispute.

 

An Enugu State High Court, presided over by Justice C.O Ajah, had on May 20 issued a restraining order barring the Nigerian Army, the Ministry of Defence, and the Enugu State Government from accessing the disputed land pending the resolution of a pending lawsuit. The case has been adjourned for a pretrial conference on September 29.

 

Despite the court’s ruling, the community alleges that soldiers have resumed patrolling and surveying the area in question—an action they say violates the court’s order. A video showing the military’s alleged activities has surfaced online, gaining traction across social media.

 

The disputed land spans borders with multiple communities, including Akpoga-Nike, Nkwubor Nike, and Onuogba Nike in Enugu East LGA, as well as Amechi Idodo, Oruku, Ubahu in Nkanu East, and Umuhuaji, Nkalagu, and Ama-Azu in Ishielu LGA of Ebonyi State.

 

In a statement signed by Ability Chukwuemeka Mbah, Secretary of the Owo Town Union, the community expressed concern that the military presence is heightening fear and tension in the area. He urged the Nigerian Army to comply with the court directive to ensure peace and uphold the rule of law.

 

Mbah also recalled a previous joint inspection by the state government, which found that survey beacons claimed by the Army could not be verified on the ground, casting doubt on the Army’s claim to the land.

 

Responding to the allegations, the Nigerian Army stated that the land had been acquired in the 1970s and accused unidentified individuals of encroaching on the area and placing unauthorized beacons.

 

The community, however, insists that the matter is now before the courts and that any further action by the Army should be halted until the case is resolved.