Enugu Communities Protest Alleged Plan to Convert School Land to Housing Estate
Communities in Enugu State have staged protests against an alleged move to convert unoccupied sections of the Girls Special Science School, Agbani, into a commercial housing estate. Members of the Amauzam-Ugbawka and Agbani communities in Nkanu East Local Council described the reported plan as "land grabbing" and expressed concerns over the deprivation of ancestral land.
Background of the Land Dispute
The land, spanning Ugbawka Amauzam and Agbani, was acquired during the administration of former governor Chimaroke Nnamani without proper consultation with landowners or clearly defined boundaries. The school has been operational for about 22 years, yet significant portions remain undeveloped, leading to ongoing disputes over ownership and usage.
Community Demands and Government Response
The protesters urged Governor Peter Mbah to halt the proposed housing development and establish proper boundaries for the school. They highlighted that the state government, through the Ministry of Housing, has earmarked the undeveloped sections for a housing project, despite repeated requests from the communities for the return of unused land or compensation.
In 2016, the communities wrote to former governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi, seeking clarification on the school's boundaries and requesting a formal survey. They reiterated their concerns in a 2024 letter to Governor Mbah, asking for the release of unoccupied land to support livelihoods amid economic hardship.
Protest and Petition Details
During the protest, security personnel prevented the demonstrators from accessing the Government House, but they submitted a petition outlining their grievances. The petition, signed by Chukwu William, Patrick Nwodo, and Ugbor Chukwuma, expressed distress over the alleged betrayal of trust, noting that the communities had patiently engaged with the government for over a decade.
The document read: "For more than 10 years, our community members have patiently and diplomatically engaged and waited for government to formalise all ambiguities and improprieties around the siting of the Girls Science Special School, Ugbawka-Agbani." It added that the proposal to use the land for a commercial housing estate without consultation violates the Land Use Act and community rights.
Key Demands from the Communities
- Approve the resizing of the school land to define usable areas clearly.
- Return unused portions of the land to the affected communities.
- Ensure due consultation in line with legal frameworks like the Land Use Act.
- Pay compensation for land already utilized for the school's operations.
The communities emphasized that this issue has caused significant unrest and called for immediate action to address their concerns and prevent further escalation.
