LAND TUSSLE: ANAMBRA COMMUNITY ALLEGES INVASION BY ENUGU GOVT

The farming communi­ty of Awba-ofemmili in Awka North Lo­cal Government Area of Anambra State yesterday embarked on a peaceful pro­test where they raised alarm over what they described as the invasion and occupation of their lands by agents of the neighbouring Ibite-ollo, community in Ezeagu LGA backed by the government of Enugu State.

The natives numbering over one thousand, com­prising men, women and children chanting songs and carrying placards of various inscription critical of the government and people of Enugu State, trooped to the location to meet face to face with the invaders, a contract­ing firm.

At the farming location, known in the community as Ndave Okpu village land, the placard-carrying men confronted the site Engineer who gave his name as Mr Chike Ilechukwu.

He said he appreciated their peaceful disposition but told them that his com­pany was sent by Enugu State Government to con­struct a World Bank-backed irrigation system to enable the farmers there plant crops three times annually, it was part of Enugu State FAD­AMA agriculture project.

The community Spokes­man, Sebastian Okoye, told the contractor and his work­ers that the community wanted them to stop what­ever they were doing forth­with peacefully.