The Agu-Owa Concerned Landlord & Landowners Association in Nike, Enugu East Local Government Area, has raised alarm over what it describes as “attempted forceful takeover” of private properties by the Enugu State Government.
In a strongly worded statement responding to a communiqué issued by the Commissioner for Housing, Dr. Martin Chukwunweike, on June 26, the association expressed shock and concern over alleged efforts by certain government officials to reclaim their land and houses under a new development initiative.
“We are deeply displeased and shocked by continued efforts of some members of the state government to take our lands and houses away from us, simply because they have the power to do so,” the group said.
The landlords, many of whom identified themselves as retired civil servants, artisans, and low-income earners, claimed that their properties were legally acquired and supported by Certificates of Occupancy (C of O), Government-Approved Survey Plans, Deeds of Lease, and land purchase receipts.
They warned that the situation could erode public trust in property ownership across the state.
“This development puts property ownership in Enugu State in serious doubt. What is the future of a citizen’s investment if a government policy can make them lose everything overnight?” the statement asked.
Although the state government has portrayed the housing scheme as a compassionate intervention to provide affordable homes for the masses, the association disputes this, saying the real motive is the high commercial value of their land.
“Agu-Owa is part of the Trans-Ekulu area, where a plot of land currently sells for as much as ₦80 million. We believe the end goal is profit, not public interest,” they alleged.
The group also revealed that they had secured a restraining order from the Enugu State High Court, preventing any encroachment or acquisition of their property, and called on the state government to respect the judicial process.
Directly addressing Governor Peter Ndubuisi Mbah, the landlords issued a passionate plea for intervention, invoking Igbo proverbs to emphasize the gravity of their plight.
“Our forefathers say, adịghị ana nwa ukpana ya, maka na ọ bụ akwa. Nwata adighi abu nwata na-anu ogburu. We believe our governor is a good man and will listen to our cry,” the statement read.
They urged the governor to stop any alleged encroachment and rein in officials pushing the initiative without community consent.
