Hundreds of residents of Ugwuto, Nsude Community in Udi Local Government Area, Enugu State, staged a protest on Wednesday, demanding Governor Peter Mbah’s intervention to stop what they described as an ongoing attempt to illegally seize their ancestral land.
The demonstrators included elderly men and women, youths and children, who marched with placards and chanted solidarity songs.
This is the community’s second protest in a week, following a demonstration on Sunday calling for the governor’s urgent action.
Residents allege that a private company, Enpower Energy Ltd, owned by a local from a neighboring community, is attempting to take over their land without proper authorization.
Some placard messages read “We Say No To Land Grabbers”, “Enpower Leave Our Land Alone” and “Enugu Governor, Peter Mbah Save Us From Land Grabbers”.
Elder Vincent Ukwuani explained that the land invasion began in 2019 and continues despite an ongoing court case.
He accused the Managing Director, Emeka Ene, of destroying crops with bulldozers while allegedly being supported by some government officials.
“The people called Enpower came to our land without authorization and began destroying our crops. This land, called Ugwuto Land, has been under invasion for six years,” Ukwuani said.
“The court has adjourned the case to December 19, 2025, yet they continue operations illegally.”
Another resident, Linus Ugwuoga, echoed these concerns, warning that the community will defend its land “with their last blood” if necessary.
Community leaders also accused Enpower Energy and certain government officials of intimidating residents.
Hon. Emeka Joshua Ozochi, former local government candidate alleged arrests and harassment by the police and Distress Response Squad aimed at silencing opposition to the land grab.
“The government approved the land for us with all fees paid, yet they are giving it to Enpower without our knowledge. We have a master plan and survey plan for Ugwuto Hilltop Layout,” Ozochi said.
Residents emphasized that they have cooperated with the government in providing land for state projects, including the Enugu International Market, a water reservoir, the Ebeano bypass, and protection of the Virgin forest, without seeking compensation.
Despite the protests, a letter from the Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Prof. Chidiebere Onyia, dated 2 April 2025, instructed Enpower to commence operations immediately, granting the company “freedom to operate.”
The SSG’s letter outlined government support for the project, including security and community pacification.
Community leaders, however, maintain that the letter was issued without their knowledge or consent and continue to appeal to Governor Peter Mbah to intervene to prevent further conflict and preserve peace in the community.
