By Nwokoma Ndubueze
The Association of Umuapu Women, Ohaji/Egbema Local Government Area of Imo State, says it has resolved to battle it out with land grabbers in their native farmlands in the community.
Umuapu women led by their vice president, Mrs Mary Ajoku, during a press conference at Umuapu on Monday,
stated that they would no longer allow anyone to grab their farmlands including government officials.
Mrs Ajoku hinted that the community has experienced under-development following alleged encroachment in their community farmlands, wondering whether according to her, government could provide social security when payment of salaries sometimes seems difficult.
The woman leader lamented that they were yet to witness any serious development in the area despite what she described as vast land that they have donated to both state and federal governments.
Addressing newsmen also, the Traditional Prime Minister of Umuapu community, Chief Hyacinth Obikwe said they were still surprised at the alleged actions of the Ministry of Lands, where according to him, the allegation of encroachment into their native land is pointing at
Chief Obikwe explained that the community has not seen the Commissioner for Lands or any message from his office as the official way of entering into the farmlands.
He. added that if government wanted to aquire their land, they should make it known to the people rather than alleged illegal acts in order to aquire over 5000 hectares of land.
The community vowed to fight against any act of land grabbing in their community.
Also addressing newsmen, a former lawmaker, Hon Luke Obiawuotu Chukwu reaffirmed steps to stop any ruga system in Umuapu community.
Hon Obiawuotu Chukwu maintained that Marcon field was on lease with their community for 30 years, which according to him, has also expired, and that the community has taken back its land.
He advised that the state government should not allow the youth to reverse the vow to maintain peace and order, and avoid a situation that could be difficult to manage.
