Avu residents cry out over demolitions, petition Uzodimma for justice
Residents of Avu community in Owerri West Local Government Area of Imo State have cried out over alleged land grabbing and demolitions of properties, calling on Governor Hope Uzodimma to
- From Damian Duruiheoma, Enugu
Residents of Avu community in Owerri West Local Government Area of Imo State have cried out over alleged land grabbing and demolitions of properties, calling on Governor Hope Uzodimma to intervene and restore justice.
The appeal was contained in a letter dated April 1, 2026, written by the Executive Director of Rule of Law and Accountability Advocacy Centre, Okechukwu Nwanguma, who raised concerns over what he described as growing cases of abuse of power and disregard for citizens’ property rights.
At the centre of the petition is the plight of a resident, Mr. Sampson Inyama, whose property at Avu was reportedly demolished multiple times despite claims that he lawfully acquired the land and fulfilled necessary requirements.
According to the letter, Inyama purchased the land years ago with the involvement of a late chief magistrate and duly compensated the original landowners, including community youths.
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He subsequently fenced the property and secured it before it was allegedly first invaded and demolished by persons said to be acting on government authority.
The situation, however, escalated after repeated interventions.
Findings by his legal representative reportedly linked the initial demolition to Imo State Housing Authority, after which payments were allegedly demanded and made.
He was then advised to return to the land, prompting him to rebuild and continue development.
Community sources said matters took a more troubling turn earlier this year when another demolition affected fences in the area, with officials citing security concerns and urging landowners to develop their plots.
“In compliance, people started building to secure their land. But to our greatest surprise, everything was later brought down again without any notice,” a resident told our correspondent.
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The latest demolition, which reportedly affected Inyama’s structures and those of neighbouring property owners, has sparked anger among indigenes, who described the actions as unjust and economically devastating.
In the petition, Nwanguma questioned why demolitions were being carried out without prior notice, consultation, or compensation, stressing that such actions undermined public trust and violated constitutional rights.
He also raised concerns over alleged involvement of certain individuals in what he suggested could be a broader pattern of land grabbing linked to powerful interests.
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“These allegations, if proven, represent a grave abuse of power and a serious breach of public trust,” the letter said.
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The advocacy group is now urging the governor to order an independent investigation, hold any culpable official accountable, halt further interference with affected properties and ensure adequate compensation for victims.
For many residents in Avu, the issue goes beyond a single property dispute. Indigenes say it reflects a wider fear among ordinary citizens about the safety of their land and investments.
A community youth leader, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said: “People are scared. You can buy land, follow all the processes and still wake up to bulldozers. This is affecting trust in government.”
At press time, there was no official response from the state government regarding the allegations.
