The Protest
The Ikem community, host of the Isi-Uzo local government council headquarters in Enugu State, Nigeria, took to the streets on Monday to protest the proposed conversion of part of the local government council Secretariat premises into a housing estate.
The protesters, comprising different age groups of the town’s indigenes, argued that the land was given to the Isi-Uzo county council in 1974 for local government administration purposes, not for private residences.
Community’s Stance
According to the protesters, the community wants the land developed for public interest, not private interest.
Placards carried by protesters read: “Develop our land for public interest not private interest,” “Bring more development, not selling of our land,”
“This land belongs to our people.” HRH Igwe Okechukwu Ogbodo, Traditional Ruler of Ikem-Uno community and Chairman of Isi-Uzo Traditional Rulers council, said the community is seeking their rights through a peaceful protest, not a violent or aggressive one.
He had engaged with council Chairman Mr. Obiora Obeagu on the matter but felt Obeagu was evasive until the community learned the land was being sold.
Council Chairman’s Response
Mr. Obiora Obeagu stated that the land no longer belongs to the community since it was given to the government.
He noted the council hasn’t exhausted discussions with the community on the matter. Obeagu said the council has a survey plan dated 1972 and that the community is looking for trouble by claiming the land belongs to them.
He challenged the community to bring their documents if they claim encroachment on their land.
