Police, families clash over Enugu land despite court judgment
Families in Enugu State are protesting the alleged wrongful seizure of their land by the police, despite a court ruling affirming their ownership.
In Enugu State, Nigeria, families from Umuedenwoko in the Akpugo community are alleging that the Nigeria Police Force is facilitating an illegal land seizure of their ancestral properties. This clash arises despite a court ruling from 2023 that affirmed the families' ownership of the contested land. They claim that an elaborate scheme disguised as a police secondary school acquisition has led to the land's conversion into a private real estate development, threatening their heritage and rights.
The ongoing situation has escalated tensions between the families and law enforcement, who they accuse of participating in a land-grabbing conspiracy. The families argue that their legal rights, established by the High Court verdict, are being systematically undermined, as the construction continues unabated on the 37.15-hectare plot in question. Such actions not only disregard the rule of law but also pose significant implications for land ownership and individual rights in Nigeria.
This case raises fundamental questions about governmental and police authority in Nigeria, particularly regarding land disputes. If the allegations hold true, it could signal a troubling precedent for other communities facing similar challenges, highlighting the need for increased transparency and accountability within law enforcement agencies. The families are determined to fight for their rights and pursue justice, hoping to halt the development and restore their ancestral land to its rightful owners.