Imo community protests forceful takeover of land for alleged RUGA settlement
The Abba clan in Nwangele Local Government Area of Imo State has cried out over the forceful acquisition of its land by the Federal government allegedly for the establishing a Rural Grazing Area (RUGA) settlement in the community.
The clan, in a statement signed by Chief Chris Onwuzurike and Chief Jeff Uju, accused the federal government of working actively in collaboration with the Hope Uzodimma’s administration to achieve its aim.
It revealed that three contracts had already been awarded by the federal government for the clearing and preparation of the land for the so-called agricultural purposes.
The alleged acquisition of the land is still shrouded in secrecy as, according to the statement, there is a clandestine plan to establish RUGA in its communities.
Onwuzuruike said: “The land is the community’s priceless heritage and the people would do everything to preserve it.
“We, therefore, plead with the federal government to leave our land. We shall oppose any forceful entry, appropriation or clearing of the land for agricultural or any other purposes.
“We call on Gov. Uzodimma not to provoke them or tamper with their land, saying they are not ready to relinquish the land for whatever purpose,” he concluded.
The Eye Witness
