By Cajetan Mmuta
Hundreds of Landlords and Residents of Egwuatu Estate, Abata Nsugbe, in Anambra State on Monday staged a peaceful protest over the invasion of their area by land speculators.
The land Speculators had destroyed their properties and injured some residents.
The residents alleged that an Onitsha Chief (name withheld) invaded their area with a bulldozer and about twenty thugs leading to pulling down structures and in the process destroyed building materials.
Scores of residents have been forced to flee for their lives because of violence meted on them by the attackers.
Chairman of Egwuatu Landlords Association, Emeka Ojukwu in reaction said they acquired legitimate properties from the Egwuatu family over 15 years ago and have all lived peacefully in the area without any dispute from any quarter until the latest invasion from strange people.
The see stricken residents bore placards with various inscriptions like: “Governor Obiano, IGP, save us from our oppressors”, Right to ownership of properties is our fundamental right”, “Our lives and that of our family members are in great dangers, save our souls”, “We don’t want violence and bloodshed. Nigeria Police, rise up to your duty please”, “Cost of living is very hard in Nigeria today, stop destroying our properties and building materials” among others.
While giving further insight into their predicament, Ojukwu said the attackers also invaded his compound and ransacked his properties while most of the residents of the estate cannot enter their homes presently for fear of their lives.
He said they have restrained from resorting to self or bringing order thugs to fight for their rights too rather a petition has been caused to the police authorities in Abuja, Zone 13 Ukpo and the Command Headquarters, Anambra State.
Police Public Relations Officer, Anambra State Command, DSP Ikenga Tochukwu who confirmed the development said preliminary investigation revealed that it was a case of encroachment and boundary dispute.
Landlord allegedly beat tenant over unpaid rent
He said police only waded into the matter to forestall law and order while some people have been invited for questioning.
The police spokesperson advised parties to maintain peace and explore legal options when necessary.
