Indigenes of Nkwelle community in Awka South Local Government Area of Anambra State yesterday took to the major roads of the state capital to protest the acquisition of their wide expanse of land at Agu-Nkwelle, now christened Greenwood Estate. This is where the new government house/lodge and three arms zone is currently being constructed.

The people, young and old, trooped out in their hundreds, threatening to stop work at the construction site if nothing is done to appease the community.

In a press release signed by its chairman, Kingsley Nwosu; Secretary Emeka Oyeoka; legal adviser Akonam Ogbonna; public relations officer, Ignatius, as well as chairman of land committee, Stephen Nwosu, the community vowed to vehemently oppose any further development of the land until the State Government tows the proper process for acquisition of land.

The protesters carried a coffin and placards with the inscriptions “Forceful entry into our land, a breach of our fundamental right”, “We are not against development but let it be done in accordance to the law”, “Acquisition of Agu-Nkwelle land, a grave injustice”, etc.

Speaking on behalf of the protesters at the disputed Greenwood Estate, Mr. Nwosu accused the State Government of moving into the land without paying any form of compensation to the owners.

He disclosed that the community does not know till date the extent of land acquired at the area and fingered some officials in the Ministry of Lands of convincing with the State Government on the matter without any recourse to its traditional head, representatives or community leaders.

In her reaction, the Commissioner of Information, Culture and Tourism, Dr Uju Nworgu, thanked the protesters for their peaceful approach. She said that the matter would be looked into by the government with a view to settling it.

On his part, the Director of Lands, Barrister Iguh, said that government could not have taken over the community’s land without consultation with the elders and leaders. He advised the protesters to formally present their grievances to the government for proper attention.

•Photo shows the protesters carrying a coffin . . . yesterday in Awka.