Protest Erupts in Abia State Over Alleged Land Grabbing and Environmental Concerns
A group of women from three villages in Imobi autonomous community, Uturu, Abia State, staged a protest on Tuesday, alleging that certain individuals are attempting to take control of granite deposits in their land without authorization. The women, who identified themselves as farmers, claimed that the traditional ruler, Eze Simeon Chukwuemeka, was not aware of the situation and had not given his consent.
According to the protesters, allowing a few individuals to appropriate the community’s resources would exacerbate poverty in the area. They emphasized the need for an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) to be conducted on the affected lands to assess and prevent potential hazards arising from granite drilling and blasting activities. The women, led by Mrs. Florence Uka, Mrs. Nene Orieji, and Uwakwe Nkechi, expressed concerns that the drilling could affect their farmlands, including cassava, plantain, and yam crops, and have economic and health implications for the community.
The Secretary-General of Imobi Progressive Union, Adindu Kalu, speaking on behalf of the traditional ruler, appealed to the Abia State government to intervene and prevent the hijacking of communal resources. He alleged that some individuals had signed a consent letter in Abuja, inviting a company to the community without the knowledge or consent of the Eze. The women, who described their protest as peaceful, also called on Governor Alex Otti to intervene in the matter.
The protest highlights the need for transparency and community involvement in decision-making processes related to natural resource management. The Abia State government’s response to the situation will be crucial in addressing the concerns of the Imobi community and ensuring that the rights of all stakeholders are protected. As the community awaits the government’s intervention, the women’s protest serves as a reminder of the importance of environmental sustainability and responsible resource management in ensuring the well-being of local communities.
