There was heightened tension in Owerri, the Imo State capital, on Wednesday as residents of Umuoyima Autonomous Community staged a protest against the state government’s move to reclaim the land formerly occupied by the Timber and Allied Market, popularly known as Ogbosisi, along Wetheral Road.
The protesters, comprising elders, youths, and women, carried placards with inscriptions such as “Government, leave our ancestral land” and “This is where our ancestors were buried”, demanding that the government halt the reclamation exercise.
Speaking to journalists, the Chairman of the Elders’ Council, Elder Godwin Ofurum, stated that the community had gathered in response to reports that officials of the Owerri Capital Development Authority (OCDA) were set to take over the land.
He explained that the land originally belonged to the Umuoyima community and was donated to the government for the establishment of the market. However, after the market was relocated to Naze Industrial Cluster, the community requested the land’s return, which was approved by the state government in 2007.
According to him, a letter referenced LOW/7920A/14, dated May 21, 2007, and signed by the then Director of Lands, Mrs. F.U. Maduike, officially approved the release of the land to the Umuoyima community for a private development project known as Umuoyima South Pocket Layout.
“No administration has attempted to take this land back from us. Even Governor Hope Uzodimma was approached before he assumed office to buy the land, but he declined. We are now questioning whether this move is coming directly from him or if certain officials are acting on their own,” Ofurum said.
Also speaking, the Traditional Prime Minister of Umuoyima, Chief Obinga Mbanu, vowed that the community would resist any attempt to seize the land.
However, sources revealed that OCDA officials, accompanied by security operatives, arrived at the site during the protest. Shots were reportedly fired into the air to disperse the demonstrators, as bulldozers moved in to demolish structures. Traders scrambled to salvage their goods, while several individuals allegedly sustained injuries during the commotion.
The Imo State Government had earlier announced plans to demolish structures at the old market. The General Manager of OCDA, Frank Nkem, stated that the exercise followed the expiration of a 21-day eviction notice issued to traders.
“Despite the official relocation of traders to Naze Industrial Market, some individuals have refused to comply. The area has also become a hideout for criminal activities, including gun-running and drug peddling,” Nkem said.
As of the time of filing this report, the demolition exercise was still ongoing, with security operatives maintaining a presence in the area to prevent further resistance.
KIIN360 will continue to monitor the situation and provide updates as events unfold.
