Indigenes of Umuchima autonomous community in Uburu, Ohaozara Local Government Area of Ebonyi State, have appealed to the Minister of Works and former Ebonyi State governor, Dave Umahi, to stop what they described as the forceful displacement of residents from ancestral homes and the alleged takeover of approximately 300 hectares of communal land.
In a petition titled “Death Tolls Resulting from Dehumanizing Actions of Senator Umahi Against His Own Kinsmen,” the community claimed the situation began shortly after Umahi assumed office as governor in 2015 and has persisted into his current role as minister.
The document, signed by Celestine Uzo, Publicity Secretary of the United Umuchima Community General Assembly, urged both the federal government and the Ebonyi State government to intervene and restore the disputed lands to their original owners. According to the petitioners, the properties were initially acquired under the justification of public development projects but were subsequently allocated to individuals said to be related to the minister.
Allegations Of Evictions And Trauma
Residents alleged that the demolition of ancestral houses, farmlands, and culturally significant sites inflicted deep emotional distress on members of the community and, in certain cases, contributed to fatalities.
The petition referenced situations involving widows and elderly individuals who reportedly experienced severe trauma after their homes were destroyed and burial grounds disturbed. The community further claimed that intimidation, harassment, and acts of violence were carried out by individuals they described as agents acting on behalf of the minister.
According to the petition, the developments have generated fear across Umuchima, with families uncertain about the security of their properties. Additional allegations included attacks and abductions of youths during the unrest, as well as vandalism of properties during late-night operations.
The petitioners called on human rights bodies and relevant authorities to conduct an independent inquiry into the matter, verify whether legitimate government projects exist in the area, and determine the actual land requirements for such developments.
“Let the public hear our cry; and let the State and Federal Governments come to our rescue,” the petitioners stated.
Aide Dismisses Claims
In response, Umahi’s Special Adviser on Media, Uchenna Orji, rejected the allegations, describing them as unfounded and misleading.
Orji maintained that the accusations lack both legal and cultural basis, asserting that the minister has made substantial contributions to the growth of Uburu and Ebonyi State.
“This story is fabricated and tainted with falsehood. The allegations are insensible and run parallel with reality,” Orji said.
He added that the minister would not be distracted by what he termed efforts by certain individuals to damage his reputation and urged the public to disregard the claims.
The dispute underscores rising tensions within the Umuchima community, as residents continue to demand intervention over land ownership concerns while the minister’s camp insists the allegations are without merit.
What You Should Know
The Umuchima community has formally petitioned authorities over alleged land seizures and forced evictions, claiming about 300 hectares were taken under the guise of public projects.
They accuse Dave Umahi of enabling the actions, an allegation his media aide strongly denies. Residents are calling for federal and state intervention, as well as an independent investigation into land ownership and development claims.
The controversy highlights broader concerns about land rights, community displacement, and internal political tensions in Ebonyi State, with both sides maintaining sharply conflicting accounts of events.
