The people of Nguru in Nsukka, Enugu State, have raised serious concerns over what they describe as the unlawful and forceful seizure of their ancestral land by representatives of the Nsukka Local Government. They allege that the local authorities have bypassed proper procedures, arriving at their land with force and without engaging in meaningful discussions or reaching an agreement.

According to community members, the land was reportedly targeted under the pretext of establishing an international market. However, they feel the rights of the community have been ignored, emphasising that no prior consultations, negotiations, or formal notices were served to them before the land was taken over.

Early on Saturday morning, a combined team of security personnel reportedly moved onto the disputed land, with the apparent intent to prevent what could have been a protest by angry community members. Later, the residents gathered at the Igwe’s palace to voice their grievances. They then embarked on a march around the community, expressing their frustration over what they view as a blatant violation of their rights by the local government chairman, Mr. Jude Asogwa.

The community leaders criticised Mr. Asogwa’s actions, stating they stand in stark contrast to the principles of good governance upheld by Governor Peter Ndubuisi Mbah, who is known for his commitment to the rule of law, transparency, and due process.

Chief Builder Ugwu Ignatius, the President General of Nguru, alongside Mr. Ozioko Ejiofor, Chairman of the Nguru Youths Association, and High Chief Ozioko Thomas Obute, condemned the local government’s refusal to engage them in dialogue. They stressed that the community had not been approached for any form of land acquisition, nor was there any formal agreement or compensation offered.

“Our land rightfully belongs to Nguru Nsukka,” they declared. “Odoro Nsukka is not recognised as an autonomous community with ancestral claims to this land, and we will not allow history to be rewritten or our rights trampled upon.”

They lamented the unprofessional and high-handed conduct of the local government chairman, asserting that no community discussions or legal procedures were followed. The community also highlighted that they had previously informed the authorities that no land had been officially acquired from Nguru Nsukka, and yet the land was being taken without proper documentation or agreement.

“The destruction of our farmland—including crops like pepper, tomatoes, garden eggs, and cucumbers—is unacceptable,” they insisted. “We will not be intimidated or coerced into surrendering our ancestral land. We demand respect from both the State Government and the local authorities for our traditions, rights, and community.”

Interestingly, the community pointed out that there exists approximately 80 hectares of unused land directly opposite the disputed area, which the government has already acquired but has yet to utilise for any development. They questioned why this land, and other vast plots acquired during Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi’s administration—spanning areas between Nru Nsukka, Ede-Oballa, and Ehalumona—are lying fallow despite the need for development such as international markets.

In their appeal, they called on Governor Peter Mbah to intervene swiftly: “We ask the Governor to direct the Nsukka Local Government Chairman to follow proper legal procedures and respect our community’s rights. We also urge the Nigerian Police to shield Nguru Nsukka from further harassment, intimidation, and abuse of authority.”

Despite multiple attempts to reach Mr. Jude Asogwa for his reaction, calls have gone unanswered, and a message sent to him remains unacknowledged at this time.

The community’s outcry underscores the urgent need for transparent and lawful land acquisition processes, respecting the rights of indigenous communities, and upholding the principles of due process in development projects.