Members of Umuenu Quarter, Umuawulu, Awka South, have appealed to Governor Chukwuma Soludo to allow a disputed ancestral land matter to be resolved by the court.

The appeal was made on Wednesday by Umuenu president, Bernard Mbolu, during a peaceful protest by community members in Awka.

Protesters displayed placards reading: ‘Gov. Soludo Hear Our Cry’, ‘Allow Court to Decide the Matter’ and ‘Umuenu Wants Truth and Justice to Prevail.’

Mr Mbolu said Umuawulu comprised Umuenu, Agbani and Enugwu quarters, alleging Enugwu invaded part of Umuenu’s communal farmland in 2020 and claimed ownership.

He alleged the disputed land remained Umuenu’s ancestral property and served as the principal source of livelihood for many families within the community.

Mr Mbolu alleged that Humphrey Obi, an indigene of Umuenu, was attacked with machetes during one confrontation and later died in 2025 from injuries sustained.

He said the dispute was already before a High Court but expressed concern over an invitation allegedly issued by Deputy Governor Onyekachi Ibezim on July 7.

According to Mr Mbolu, the invitation followed a petition by Enugwu Quarter and allegedly suggested plans to resolve the dispute by sharing the contested land.

“We reject any plan to share or redraw the boundary because it rightfully belongs to Umuenu and sustains our people’s livelihoods.

“The matter is already before a competent court and should be allowed to run its course without interference,” Mr Mbolu said.

Also speaking, 96-year-old retired teacher, Steven Okoye, alleged the disputed land had remained the subject of litigation spanning several decades.

Mr Okoye claimed previous court rulings, including a Supreme Court judgement, recognised Umuenu as the rightful owner of the disputed ancestral land.

 He appealed to Mr Soludo to intervene to prevent a breakdown of law and order and avert further loss of lives.

The widow of the late Humphrey Obi, Nkechi Obi, alleged her husband sustained fatal injuries during an attack linked to the prolonged land dispute.

She said her husband, the only son of his parents, had cultivated the disputed farmland for many years before the incident occurred.

Mrs Obi appealed to the governor to ensure justice prevailed and that the dispute was resolved peacefully through lawful means.

The protesters urged the Anambra government to allow the pending court proceedings to determine ownership of the disputed land without external interference. 

(NAN)