Scores of indigenes from Ugwuto, Nsude Community in Udi Local Government Area of Enugu State staged a peaceful demonstration against Enpower Energy Ltd, alleging land grabbing.
The protesters, including elderly men, women, youths, and children, marched through the community’s civic center with placards, chanting solidarity songs.
The community leaders claimed that Enpower Energy Ltd began unlawfully taking over their land in 2019, despite a court case pending over the issue.
According to Elder Vincent Ukwuani, the company destroyed crops and continued to encroach on their land with impunity.
Allegations Against Enpower Energy Ltd
- Unlawful takeover of Ugwuto land, despite a court case pending
- Destruction of crops and property
- Intimidation and arrest of community members by security agencies
Community’s Demands
- Immediate withdrawal of Enpower Energy Ltd from their land
- Protection of their ancestral heritage and property rights
- Investigation into the company’s alleged land grabbing activities
Response from Enpower Energy Ltd
Ricky Agu, speaking on behalf of Enpower Energy Ltd, claimed that there was a tripartite agreement between the state government, the company, and Oildata Integrated Construction Company, signed in 2009.
He stated that the government had acquired the land for public good and that the company was operating within the bounds of the law.
“The agreement says that the Enugu State government intends to develop a private public sector partnership for the attraction of investment into Enugu
“So the allegation of land grabbing is a lie. government does not lie. If government wants to acquire the place and turn it into an estate, nobody can stop them
“Government acquired this land and used it as their own equity to attract investments.
“When it starts operations, the joint venture will pay to the community whatever equity is due them. So, the community is a co-owner of Enpower. But some people in the community do not want the people of the community to know about this
“Some people used to stop operation on site were picked up by the police to prevent chaos
“I’ve been trying to sit them down to explain this but because of vested interest, they don’t want to listen to the voice if reason
“If they have issues, it should be with the state government and not with a private company whose business is to attract investment into the community”. Agu said.
