Communities Owerri West and Ohaji/Egbema local government areas, LGAs of Imo  State on Thursday appealed to  Governor Hope Uzodimma to intervene over alleged encroachment on their lands by the military.


The communities, including  Umuoti/Umuezu villages in Mgbirichi in Ohaji/Egbema LG and Obinze, Oforola in Owerri West LGA, led by the community leaders including Mr. Sam Ihezuo, Okechukwu Agulana, Remigius Opara, Chinedu Amaefula, Samuel Nkwocha, Uchenna Orie, Batholomew Akalanze, G.C. Ibeawuchi in a protest march stormed the Land Recovery Office, Okigwe Road.  Owerri to register their protest 


In  a statement addressed to Gov Uzodimma, they appealed  for his  intervention over their ancestral land occupied by 34 Army Brigade, Obinze commonly referred to as Army land.


“Sir. while we are bemoaning over the initial acquisition, the Army encroached and occupied more of our lands right up to the back yard of our houses. As it stands result of this excesses  there is no more space for the present and future generations to expand" 


They urged the governor to advise the Army to  limit themselves to the original purpose of the acquisition, nameLy . building of military barracks and to release the land encroached on to the communities.


"The land was not made for Nigeria Army as estate, to sell and make profits while the owners who are peasant farmers are deprived of land for  expansion or farming. The payment of adequate compensation for the land acquired was  in 1977/78, over forty (40) years ago. Let  the Army limit themselves to the initial acquisition of 1978/1979 and release back the encroached  area to us.”


In his response, the  Special Adviser, SA, on Land Recovery to the Governor, Paschal Nwakamma said: “I have heard your complain and your report and we will find out the true position and if you are right we will call them but if you are wrong you have no matter. I plead with you to maintain peace and order. I will convey the matter to the governor and will get back to you in 7 days time. We will make sure that there is peace between you and the military. Our government is not a government of grabbing of land. I assure you we will look into that.”