Eight communities from Imo State ask President Tinubu to remove soldiers from their farmland. Armed military forces surrounded 30,000 hectares of community property nine months ago. The troops prevented farmers from reaching their crops through intimidation and violence. Dr Ugo Jim-Nwoko speaks for the affected villages during a press meeting on Wednesday. The communities cannot grow food because soldiers block access to their fields.
Land problems began in 2006 when former Governor Achike Udenwa sought 2,000 hectares for a Chinese Village project. Two villages took the state government to court and won cases that canceled the land grab. Judges ordered the government to stay away from community property permanently. Governor Hope Uzodinma disregarded court decisions and attempted to seize the land anyway. The state gave community property to Zion Ministry Church for a factory without permission.
Community leaders claim that the government has violated constitutional laws regarding land acquisition. States can only take private land for public benefit, not private churches or businesses. The church plans to produce candles, oil, and holy water, and worship centers on land that has been stolen. Farmers lost their economic trees and crops that support their families. The communities want President Tinubu to order an immediate military withdrawal.
Land problems began in 2006 when former Governor Achike Udenwa sought 2,000 hectares for a Chinese Village project. Two villages took the state government to court and won cases that canceled the land grab. Judges ordered the government to stay away from community property permanently. Governor Hope Uzodinma disregarded court decisions and attempted to seize the land anyway. The state gave community property to Zion Ministry Church for a factory without permission.
Community leaders claim that the government has violated constitutional laws regarding land acquisition. States can only take private land for public benefit, not private churches or businesses. The church plans to produce candles, oil, and holy water, and worship centers on land that has been stolen. Farmers lost their economic trees and crops that support their families. The communities want President Tinubu to order an immediate military withdrawal.
