The Nkwazema family of Nekede in Owerri West Local Government Area of Imo State has declared its readiness to risk everything to defend its generational estate from an alleged forceful takeover by state authorities. Residents and community members expressed deep frustration, claiming that government representatives, spearheaded by the Special Adviser to the Governor on Monitoring and Compliance, Nze Chinasa Nwaneri, arrived at the location accompanied by armed security personnel to displace current inhabitants.
Speaking on behalf of the aggrieved household, Felix Uchenna Ihemeze Nkwazema asserted that Nwaneri deployed individuals described as thugs to pull down residential buildings and demolish other structures situated on the contested property. According to Nkwazema, construction of perimeter fencing commenced immediately following the destruction, leaving family members bewildered by the aggressive maneuver.
Why did the family accuse the government of land grabbing?
Nkwazema pointed out that the invading party bypassed the graves of the family's forebears while enclosing over ten plots of land containing built homes. He emphasized that no official dialogue or notice preceded the operation, and zero financial compensation was offered to the rightful owners. Historical records, including Owerri City survey plans, reportedly establish that the lineage has occupied the land since 1943, raising questions about the legitimacy of the sudden displacement.
"Even if the government indicated interest in the land, there is a procedure for that which was not followed. The government should also make its purpose of acquiring the land known to us. But surprisingly, none of these steps was applied beforeç›® the invasion," Nkwazema stated, condemning the sporadic gunfire that sent neighbors fleeing and the reported arrest of one of their kinsmen.
What are the next steps for the Nkwazema family?
In light of the incident, the family has appealed to the Governor of Imo State, Hope Uzodinma, along with the Nigeria Police Force leadership, to intervene and halt the alleged encroachment by state aides. The community maintains that the property has no history of litigation or dispute and demands immediate restitution for those left displaced.
Repeated attempts to obtain a response from Nwaneri and other representatives of the state administration regarding the allegations were unsuccessful, as telephone calls and text messages remained unanswered as of the time of reporting.