CURRENT REPORT BLOG In the heart of Anambra State, Ifite village, situated in Enugwu-Agidi, has become the battleground for a community grappling with alleged land-grabbing activities. Over 1,000 residents, driven by concerns over incessant land-related issues, recently took to the streets in protest. This blog post delves into the intricacies of the dispute, shedding light on the accusations against the Ministry of Lands, the Commissioner, and a Real Estate and Investment Company.
The Protest and Accusations
Ifite villagers, numbering over a thousand, embarked on a protest to express their dissatisfaction with what they perceive as ongoing land-grabbing activities in their community. The focal point of their grievances revolves around the Ministry of Lands and its Commissioner, whom the villagers accuse of colluding with land grabbers. The protesters allege that these entities facilitated the re-registration of lands that had already been gazetted in 2021 under the designation of Trans-Obibia Layout.
March to Government House and Indictments
The protest escalated as the villagers marched from the Ministry of Lands to the Government House in Awka, the state capital. Here, they specifically indicted a Real Estate and Investment Company for its involvement in what they consider encroachment on their lands. Former Vice Chairman, Benjamin Ejinaka, emphasized the historical context of the Trans-Obibia Layout and asserted the villagers’ rightful ownership of the contested lands.
Government Response and Next Steps
Amid the uproar, the Surveyor-General of the state addressed the protesters, assuring them that their concerns had been duly noted. He pledged to schedule a roundtable discussion with the Commissioner to comprehensively deliberate on the issues raised during the protest. The protesters left the Government House with expectations of a more inclusive and fruitful dialogue to address their grievances.
The Company’s Defense
In response to the accusations, a director from the Real Estate and Investment Limited, Anthony Ezenwa, defended the company’s actions. He claimed adherence to legal procedures in procuring the lands and insisted that the contested areas did not solely belong to the community but also to the government. Ezenwa maintained that the company had paid for the portions belonging to individuals in the village.
