Uproar In Enugu! Indigenes Protest Alleged Government-Backed Land Grab

The Obeagu Awkunanaw community in Enugu South Local Government Area has strongly protested what it describes as the forceful and fraudulent acquisition of its ancestral lands, accusing Private Estates International West Africa Ltd.

(PEIWA) of orchestrating a provocative and illegal land grab under the guise of development.

According to iReporter Online, the community leaders, in a joint statement made available to journalists, condemned the company’s claim of legal ownership of 1,097 hectares of land under the Enugu Lifestyle and Golf City (ELGC) project.

The statement, signed by Chief Andy Egbo, Chief Chiene I. Chiene (Chairman of the Litigation Committee), and HRH Igwe Mike Nnukwu, asserted that the land in question forms part of their inherited ancestral estate, spanning areas such as Agbana, Ugwuorie, Onususu, Akparata, Isi Oke, and Ofia Ogonogo, among others.

Reacting to PEIWA’s July 21, 2025 publication in which the company declared itself the sole legal owner of the disputed land, the community described the claim as “hallucinatory, delusional, and deceitful.”

According to iReporter Online, the leaders insist that the development firm has neither conferred benefits on the rightful landowners nor made meaningful contributions to the Enugu State Government in terms of statutory payments or revenue.

“We have consistently demonstrated our legitimate inheritance of these lands and have, in good faith, pursued legal avenues to reclaim what belongs to us,” the community’s representatives said.

They also urged members of the public to disregard PEIWA’s threats to buyers and investors, reaffirming that companies such as Dignified Garden Estate Ltd., Star Residence Estate, and Consistent Experts Limited are recognized and supported by the community as legitimate partners.

According to iReporter Online, the community’s call to action is rooted in years of alleged marginalization and deception. They insist that PEIWA’s actions amount to a “land heist,” emphasizing that they will not relent in their legal battle for justice, equity, and recognition.

When contacted, the Managing Director of PEIWA, Mr. Kingsley Eze, declined to comment on the allegations, stating only that the Ministry of Lands holds the official records determining ownership.

”IREPORTER REPORTS”