Residents of Ekpulato Mgbowo Autonomous Community in Awgu Local Government Area of Enugu State have raised serious concerns over the destruction of farmlands at Ugwunzu Ezioha, describing the incident as a breach of due process and a threat to livelihoods and local peace.
The incident, which occurred on December 10, 2025, involved the entry of bulldozers into active community farmlands without prior notice, consultation, consent, or any publicly verified legal engagement with the host community.
According to community leaders and affected farmers, three bulldozers reportedly cleared large portions of cultivated land, destroying crops nurtured over several farming seasons. Farmers said they appealed for time to harvest their produce but were unable to do so before the land was cleared.
Community representatives insist that the action, carried out without engagement, has resulted in significant economic loss for farming households that depend on the land for sustenance.
His Royal Highness, Igwe Greg Ikwuagwu Ituma (Onyima II), the traditional ruler of Ekpulato Mgbowo Autonomous Community, confirmed that neither his office nor the community received prior communication from any government agency, ministry, or private individual regarding the operation.
In many Igbo communities, the traditional institution plays a central role in land matters, and its exclusion from such processes is widely regarded as a breach of established norms and a potential source of conflict.
In a bid to prevent tension and possible unrest, the traditional ruler reportedly directed community representatives to formally notify the Chairman of Awgu Local Government Area, Hon. Uchenna Okolo, who also serves as the Chief Security Officer of the council, as well as the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) of Awgu Division.
Community sources allege that despite the growing tension and the absence of verified documentation, the operation was not halted. They further claim that the leader of the group carrying out the clearing, Mr. Kingsley Okeke, asserted that he possessed a 99-year lease allegedly issued by the Federal Government, though no document was presented to the community or independently verified at the time.
As of the time of filing this report, no official statement has been issued by the Awgu Local Government Council or the Nigeria Police clarifying their positions on the incident.
Allegations of Police Inaction
Residents have also expressed concern over claims that the incident was not formally documented by the police, a development they fear may hinder access to legal remedies for affected farmers.
Community leaders warn that the absence of clear institutional responses to grievances could undermine confidence in lawful dispute resolution mechanisms.
The community is also seeking clarification on the status of the land, noting that the same area had previously been identified by the Enugu State Government as unsuitable for an agricultural scheme due to its designation for the Awgu Games Village.
They question how the land later became subject to alleged private claims without the knowledge or involvement of the host community.
Legal observers within the area point to judicial interpretations of the Land Use Act, which hold that land acquired for public purposes but abandoned or diverted may revert to the host community, subject to lawful procedures.
In response to the incident, the people of Ekpulato Mgbowo Autonomous Community have formally written to the Governor of Enugu State, His Excellency Dr. Peter Ndubuisi Mbah, requesting urgent intervention to halt further activities and clarify the legal status of the land.
Community leaders stress that the appeal is aimed at preserving peace and ensuring justice, not confrontation.
The community is calling on the Enugu State Government to:
Suspend all activities at Ugwunzu Ezioha pending investigation;
Review the conduct of relevant local government officials;
Compel public disclosure of any documents claiming ownership or lease of the land;
Assess losses and compensate affected farmers; and
Clearly define and secure the legal status of Ugwunzu Ezioha land.
Residents describe the situation as a test of land administration and the rule of law, particularly the responsibility of government to protect rural communities from arbitrary actions.
They expressed hope that timely and transparent intervention by the state government will restore confidence, protect livelihoods, and prevent further tension in the area.
By Mgbowo Stakeholders Forum
Mgbowo, Awgu Local Government Area, Enugu State
