GOV IHEDIOHA WADES INTO LAND CRISIS BETWEEN COMMUNITIES AND AIR FORCE IN
GOV IHEDIOHA WADES INTO LAND CRISIS BETWEEN COMMUNITIES AND AIR FORCE IN
The Imo State Governor, Chief Emeka Ihedioha, has appealed to the people of Egbelu Obube and Ulakwo communities in Ngorkpala and Owerri North Local Government Areas of Imo State to withdraw all litigations against the 211 Regiment Group of the Nigerian Air Force in the State over the acquisition of land in the area.
The Governor made the plea during a scheduled meeting with stakeholders of both communities and the leadership of the 211 Regiment group of the Nigerian Air Force to find a lasting solution to the lingering crisis of land acquisition in the area.
Chief Ihedioha, who described Imo State as one of the peaceful states in the country, said the State Government would ensure that the land would be put to use for the purposes it was taken.
He maintained that any other parts of the land that did not belong to the Air Force would be revoked and handed over to the original owners.
The Commander 211 Regiment Group of the Nigerian Air force, Group Captain Elisha Bindul, said that one hundred hectres of land was mapped out for the establishment of regiment base in the State.
He commended the Governor for his quick intervention into the matter and assured the communities of the Regiment’s readiness to ensure adequate security in the area.
Captain Bindul said the Air Force had already provided air traffic service control with their civilian counterpart at the Sam Mbakwe International Cargo Airport.
Responding, the traditional ruler of Egbelu Obube in Ngor Okpala Local Government Area, Eze Jude Nwaogu, who explained that the affected communities needed peace and development, appealed to the State Government to ensure proper signing of memorandum of understanding.
The State Governor, Chief Emeka Ihedioha, was later taken round on an inspection.
The peace accord was attended by Commissioners for Land, Agriculture and Attorney General as well as youths from the area.
CHUKWUKA AGUKWE