By Silvernews
Youths of Nguruwenkwo Autonomous Community have halted the development of the Nkwogwu Market Square, alleging that the developer failed to follow due process and consult with the rightful owners of the land before commencing the project.
The youths, who stopped the developer and some members of the state vigilante group from erecting a signpost at the market square yesterday, said their action was in continuation of their protest against the manner in which the project was initiated.
The disagreement, which has lasted for years, resurfaced last month when the developer arrived for the foundation-laying ceremony of the proposed market complex. The youths protested the event, demanding clarification on how their ancestral market land was acquired without proper consultation with the community.
Following the development, the community, in collaboration with the Chinedu Obiaguwa Foundation, visited the Chairman of Aboh Mbaise Local Government Area, Barrister Iheukemere Alaribe, at his office in Aboh Mbaise to formally present their concerns and request that the opportunity to develop the project be given through proper engagement with the landowners.
After the meeting, many believed the matter had been resolved, but tension returned when residents woke up to the presence of security personnel who came to erect the developer’s signpost at the market.
Speaking on behalf of the youths, the youth leader of Ogwu Mr. Festus Njoku, said the community was not against the development of the market but insisted that the process must involve the rightful owners of the land.
We are not against development. We only want the right process to be followed and the people who own the land to be carried along in the project,” Njoku stated.
Also speaking, a representative of the Chinedu Obiaguwa Foundation, Hon. Titus Nwachukwu, appealed to the youths to remain peaceful in their approach, assuring that the foundation was working towards finding an amicable solution to the dispute.
Joining the discussion through a telephone conversation, the founder of the foundation and former footballer, Engineer Chinedu Obiaguwa, urged the youths to remain firm in their demand for justice while avoiding any action that could lead to violence.
Obiaguwa said the land had existed as the community’s ancestral property for generations without disputes until the current development issue emerged. He called for transparency over the agreement that transferred control of the land, stressing that the community deserved to understand the details of the arrangement.
He further appealed to the developer to consider recovering his investment through dialogue rather than confrontation, noting that peaceful resolution would prevent unnecessary tension and protect lives.
The community leaders and stakeholders are expected to continue discussions in the coming days as efforts intensify towards resolving the matter.
