A group of women from three villages in the Imobi autonomous community, Uturu, Abia State, staged a protest on Tuesday over alleged attempts to seize granite deposits on their land without authorization. The women, who identified themselves as farmers, said that the traditional ruler, Eze Simeon Chukwuemeka, was unaware of the situation and had not given his consent. They warned that allowing a few individuals to appropriate the community’s resources would deepen poverty in the area.
The protesters called for an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) to be carried out on the affected lands to evaluate and prevent potential hazards from granite drilling and blasting. Led by Mrs. Florence Uka, Mrs. Nene Orieji, and Uwakwe Nkechi, they expressed concerns that the drilling could damage their farmlands—cassava, plantain, and yam—and have economic and health repercussions for the community.
Adindu Kalu, Secretary‑General of the Imobi Progressive Union and spokesperson for the traditional ruler, appealed to the Abia State government to intervene and stop 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 Eze’s knowledge or approval.
The women described their protest as peaceful and also called on Governor Alex Otti to intervene. The demonstration underscores the need for transparency and community involvement in decisions about natural resource management. The Abia State government’s response will be crucial in addressing the Imobi community’s concerns and protecting the rights of all stakeholders. As the community awaits intervention, the protest serves as a reminder of the importance of environmental sustainability and responsible resource management for local well‑being.
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