Tension is mounting in Nguru community, Nsukka Local Government Area of Enugu State, over claims that a government agency has begun developing an estate project on community land without prior consultation or compensation.

 

Residents allege that bulldozers have already been deployed to the site, located at Agbani, Nguru Nsukka, sparking outrage among the community’s youths who say no agreement was reached before the project commenced.

 

During a protest at the site, Mr. Ejiofor Ozioko, Youth President of Nguru, told journalists that individuals allegedly acting under the guise of government authority were attempting to forcefully seize the land.

 

“We received information that some people, claiming to represent the government, are trying to take our land. But if it truly involves the government, they should approach us formally and follow due process,” Ozioko said.

 

He noted that Governor Peter Mbah’s administration is known to follow legal procedures when acquiring land, which makes the current situation suspicious.

 

“We were shocked to see bulldozers destroying crops worth millions of naira without any dialogue or compensation,” he added, vowing that the youths would continue to guard the land to prevent further development until proper procedures are followed.

 

“Our land is our lifeline. Most Nguru people are farmers, and this land provides food and income to train our children and support our families.”

 

Ozioko said crops like pepper, garden eggs, and tomatoes were destroyed, leaving many women, especially widows, devastated and without a source of livelihood.

 

The community’s traditional ruler, HRH Igwe Linus Obayi, confirmed that no government official had informed him of any estate development on their land.

 

“If the government had reached out, I would have convened a meeting to discuss the matter with my people. I commend the youths for standing firm in defense of our land,” Igwe Obayi said.

 

An indigene, who preferred to remain anonymous, condemned what he described as a grave injustice, accusing land grabbers of operating under the name of the Enugu State Housing Corporation.

 

“Our ancestral lands, especially at Agbal Nguru Nsukka and near Government Technical College Nsukka, are being seized. This reckless destruction of farmlands by bulldozers is inflicting pain on our women, youths, and families,” he said.

 

He urged Governor Mbah to intervene and uphold justice, warning that the community’s patience was wearing thin.

 

“We gave lands for schools, churches, and hospitals out of goodwill. Now, even our remaining farmlands are under threat.”

 

In reaction, Mr. Christian Ogbu, Enugu State Surveyor for Enugu North Senatorial District, said he was on-site on behalf of the Housing Corporation and was informed that an agreement had been reached with the community.

 

“Given the new developments, I will pause work until there is a clear resolution between the community and the government,” Ogbu said.

 

Meanwhile, Mr. Gerald Asogwa, Managing Director of the Enugu Housing Development Corporation, denied any plans to acquire Nguru land for estate development. He attributed the situation to a communication gap.

 

According to him, the corporation had only sought access through Nguru land to a housing estate located on land belonging to the neighboring Odoru community.

 

“There was no intention to take over Nguru land, and claims of destroyed farmlands are inaccurate,” Asogwa stated, adding that discussions with the community leaders were ongoing.

 

He emphasized that the corporation was waiting for a scheduled meeting with the community to address concerns and clarify intentions.