Chinua Achebe’s 70 years old kinsman killed, 3 others injured over land dispute

Chinedu Okafor l Thursday, June 06, 2019

• Community calls on government to enforce Supreme Court judgement
• Halt further development on disputed land
• Repeal of government gazette
• implementation of recommendation on disputed land
• Ikenga Ogidi people should settle their differences with the people of Umusiome

AWKA, Anambra, Nigeria – The communal land clash  involving Ikenga-Ogidi, the home town of Nigeria’s literary icon, late Prof. Chinua Achebe and Umusiome, both in Idemili North Local Government Area of Anambra State has claimed the life of a 70 year old man, Chief Anthony Okongwu whose corpse has been deposited in hospital in Awka.

Apart from the deceased , three other kinsmen of Achebe sustained severe injuries and are presently receiving treatment in  hospitals in Anambra.

Briefing journalists  in Awka, Anambra State capital  on Thursday, the National President of Ikenga Ogidi  town Union, Hon. Amechi Akume linked the  killing and maiming at Ani-Owelle on 1st June 2019 to some clique of land speculators and trespassers from the Umusiome.

Akume  said the protracted  land dispute had since been resolved based on judgment of the Supreme Court  delivered in favour  Ikenga-Ogidi community on 21st March 1997 in Suit No. SC/71/1996.

According to him,  the State government had also demarcated the boundary of the disputed land through the Boundary Committee headed by the,Deputy Governor, Dr. Nkem Okeke  and issued a  white- paper ,Gazette No. 7/Vol.7 of 31st day of July 1997.

He stated that the judgment of the apex  court which followed a Court of Appeal suit No. CA/E//20M/95   was delivered on 15th day of April, 1996 also favoured ikenga Ogidi community.

Akume called on the Anambra state government and police authorities to effectively enforce the Supreme Court order instead of directing both contending parties to stay away from the disputed land. According to Akume, to avoid reprisal attack from the  youths of Ikenga Ogudi, government should stop with  immediate  effect  further construction of works at the  land in question.

Meanwhile,the Chairman of Umusiome Village, Mr. Pius Obiogbolu said they are not challenging the Supreme Court judgment but the Anambra state government gazette which, he said, was wrongly done.

According to him, the White paper on the disputed land must be repealed. He further urged the state government to implement the recommendations made by those people invited to look into the land dispute.

The Chairman of Umusiome Landlords association, Mr. Daniel Alaneme, said the Landlords have no issue with the people of Ikenga Ogidi, and that they were not there when the land dispute began.

He described the issue of encroachment and mobilization of thugs as untrue , saying that Ikenga Ogidi people should settle their differences with the people of Umusiome

He added  that,  at the end if Ikenga Ogidi emerged victorious they (Landlords) would come for settlement, stating that what they are interested in is for peace to reign as  they gain nothing by seeing the two communities go into unnecessary war.

Meanwhile, Anambra State Police spokesman SP, Haruna Mohammed who confirmed the incidence said the police is still investigating the case.