Mr. Chacha Chukwumerije, Abia State Commissioner of Lands
Residents of Umuawaofo, Umuokereke and Umu Ogu villages in Isiala-Arongwa, Osisioma LGA, Abia State, have protested against alleged attempts by some government officials to acquire additional land for the permanent site of the Dr Ogbonnaya Onu Polytechnic.
The community claims it has already donated substantial land for the project and accuses officials of attempting to seize additional land, potentially displacing residents unlawfully.
Spokesperson Mr Appolos Friday alleged that some lands had been sold to private developers, leaving little for farming, and condemned threats from officials and security operatives attempting to coerce residents into signing documents. He urged the state government to respect court judgments and gazette notices that returned the remaining lands to the community.
Lawyer Charles Edmund Obioha, representing some landowners affected by the acquisition, said the government had failed to notify or compensate his clients before claiming their lands, violating legal procedures. He also accused certain officials of impersonating representatives to seize privately acquired parcels.
In response, Abia State Commissioner of Lands, Mr Chacha Chukwumerije, insisted the government has the legal right to acquire any land and claimed consultations with some community members had taken place regarding the acquisition.
