Owo Community Erupts in Protest Against Military Land Acquisition
The peaceful atmosphere in Owo Community, Nkanu East Local Government Area of Enugu State, was shattered on Monday as residents took to the streets in massive protest against what they describe as an attempted land grab by the Nigerian Army. The community, which happens to be the ancestral home of Governor Peter Mbah, witnessed elderly men, women, youth, and traditional leaders marching with placards expressing their frustration.
The protesters carried signs reading "Remove soldiers, restore peace," "Owo land is not barracks," "Stop the invasion," and "President Tinubu, save us from military intimidation." The demonstration has significantly heightened tensions in the area as residents fear complete displacement from land their families have occupied for generations.
Historical Context of the Land Dispute
According to Igwenagu Ngene, legal counsel for Owo Community, the conflict dates back to November 2015 when soldiers first invaded the area and began marking buildings with notices stating "Remove, Army land, keep off." The military personnel also installed billboards and beacons throughout the community, claiming ownership of the entire territory.
Ngene revealed that immediate action was taken in 2015 by writing to the General Officer Commanding of the 82 Division of the Nigerian Army in Enugu, requesting the withdrawal of soldiers from the area. When this approach yielded no positive response, the community escalated the matter to the Enugu State Government and the State House of Assembly.
The community leader expressed dismay that despite these efforts, the Army continued to insist the land belonged to them without providing any documentation to support their claim. The situation reached a point where the community sought intervention from the National Assembly, which conducted fact-finding visits and hearings.
Legal Battles and Court Interventions
The legislative intervention initially brought temporary relief as the Army was instructed to stay away from the land since they couldn't provide evidence of ownership. However, in April 2025, the military returned to the community, prompting legal action.
The Owo Community successfully obtained a court injunction from the Enugu State High Court, with suit number 375/2025, restraining the Nigerian Army from the land pending final determination of the case. Justice C. O. Ajah presided over the matter and issued the restraining order against the military.
Despite this legal protection, community members allege that soldiers have continued to mark buildings for demolition and have threatened to take over key community sites, including the traditional ruler's palace, community shrines, and the ancestral home of Governor Peter Mbah.
Traditional ruler Igwe Godwin Okeke Arum emotionally recounted how the Army operatives have been molesting his subjects, demolishing ongoing projects, and chasing away potential investors from the community. He expressed bewilderment that a whole community could be asked to vacate their ancestral land without any legitimate reason.
When contacted for comment, Lieutenant Colonel Olabisi Ayeni, Army spokesman at the 82 Division in Enugu, stated he would investigate the issue but requested evidence of the Army's alleged rough handling of the community. He declined to provide further details on the matter.
The community continues to call on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to intervene and prevent what they describe as an unlawful eviction from their ancestral homeland, emphasizing that the Constitution should protect citizens from such military intimidation.
