The people of Edeaniagu Clan in Ishi-Ozalla Community, located in Nkanu West Local Government Area of Enugu State, have raised concerns over an alleged plot by certain individuals to forcibly take over their ancestral lands. Despite previous interventions by government and Christian organizations, the issue of ostracization persists in Edeaniagu.
The community has called upon the Inspector General of Police, the Commander of the 82 Division Nigerian Army in Enugu, and other security agencies to protect them from recent kidnapping incidents targeting their people. They remain resolute in their pursuit of peace, justice, and equality within Ishi-Ozalla, striving for a community where all citizens are treated fairly without discrimination.
During a press conference in Enugu following an expanded Edeaniagu Clan Executive/Stakeholders meeting, the community called on Enugu State Governor Dr. Peter Mbah to urgently address the crisis to prevent further escalation.
Chief Odirachukwu Nweke, the Youth Leader of Edeaniagu Clan, expressed shock at the lengths some individuals would go to oppress others, describing the act of land grabbing as a sacrilege in their community. He highlighted the central location of their clan within the community and the significant amount of land historically belonging to their ancestors, including the village square, market, and sacred sites.
Chief Nweke criticized the unfair distribution of land and the threats to use government connections to seize their lands, asserting that their ancestors would protect their heritage. An octogenarian, Chief Anthony Nweke, warned of generational curses for those trespassing on Edeaniagu’s ancestral lands and urged against such actions.
Chief Joseph Nweke, whose son was recently kidnapped, described the targeting of Edeaniagu people for kidnapping as barbaric and called on security agencies to address the issue urgently. He emphasized that the people of Edeaniagu are the original inhabitants of Ishi-Ozalla and challenged anyone to provide evidence to the contrary.
The community has also raised issues about being excluded from leadership roles and opportunities. Chief Joseph Nweke noted that despite significant contributions, such as land provided for the University of Nigeria Teaching Hospital (UNTH), Edeaniagu people are often excluded from job opportunities and leadership positions within the community.
The community expressed concerns about a rumored stage-managed reconciliation visit aimed at pledging loyalty on their behalf, which they believe undermines their struggle for justice. They appealed to Governor Peter Mbah to grant their request for an autonomous community as a means to achieve sustainable peace, equity, unity, and progress.
