Mrs. Nkechinyere Ndukwe, a 62-year-old retired school headmistress and widow from Umuahia, Abia State, has called on the wife of the state governor, Mrs. Priscilla Otti, to intervene in a dispute over her property.
In a formal appeal made through the Human Rights Committee of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) Umuahia branch, Mrs. Ndukwe detailed how individuals claiming ownership of her building at No. 62 Mission Hill, Umuahia, have forcibly removed doors, windows, fencing, and burglary-proof installations. She said the intruders are also planning to demolish the house.
Mrs. Ndukwe, who co-owns the property with her daughter and son, said the alleged buyers have been pressuring her to sign documents stating she had sold the house, which she has refused to do. She also expressed concern that the buyers claim to have purchased the property from her son without her knowledge or consent.
The widow described her current living conditions as dire, with her home left without doors, windows, or security, leaving her exposed and vulnerable.
The NBA Umuahia branch’s Human Rights Committee has formally requested Mrs. Otti’s urgent intervention to prevent further escalation and protect Mrs. Ndukwe’s rights.
Property disputes involving intimidation and forceful occupation are not uncommon in parts of Nigeria, where unclear land titles and inadequate enforcement of property rights can lead to prolonged conflicts. Legal and community-based interventions are often necessary to resolve such cases and safeguard vulnerable individuals.
Mrs. Ndukwe’s case highlights the need for timely government and civil society intervention in protecting citizens’ property rights, particularly for women and the elderly who may be more susceptible to exploitation.
