Some members of Umuohu-Okpula Ndume in Mbaocha Autonomous community, Umuahia North local government area of Abia State have protested alleged harassment by the leadership of Umuohu-Okpula.
Addressing newsmen in Umuahia, the state capital yesterday, they complained that they were being chastised for speaking the truth about a land deal involving one of them.
Speaking on behalf of the community members, Onyema Uche said their ordeal began when they stood against the leaders’ attempt to sell a parcel of land sold by one of them as its rightful owner.
He said the owner, Chiedozie Ufegbu, had in 2019 sold the land which he inherited from his late father to one Chiedozie Ohabuiro and the deal was properly documented and signed.
He said there had not been any form of dispute over ownership of the land, but expressed surprise over the turn of events on it.
”Suddenly, sometime last year, the leaders came up with a claim that the land belonged to Umuohu-Okpula in general which is nowhere near the truth,” he said.
He further said the matter had been reported to and tried by the highest traditional arbitration institution in Ibeku land and judgement was in favour of Ufegbu.
”Unfortunately since after then, we, our wives and children are being harassed daily by the leaders of Umuohu-Okpula as we have sworn to stand by the truth.
”As peace-loving citizens, we’re therefore, appealing to the state government and the security agencies to intervene in this matter before it degenerates.
”We’re very confident that as a peaceful, caring, and development-oriented leader, Governor Alex Otti will not allow this sad development to continue,” he added.
It would be recalled that their suspension was indicated in a letter signed by the chairman Okwudiri Mbachu and secretary, Obinna Onyebuchi of Umuohu-Okpula Ndume Development Union.
Dated July 5, 2024 and addressed to Solomon Offor, the chairman, Ahaba Ocha kindred, the letter said Uche and the others were suspended from every meeting, gathering, event and function of the union.
