National Museum managers cry out to Imo govt for intervention
The management of National Museum, Owerri has cried out to Imo State Government over persistent trespass and marking of their property for demolition by men from the Office of Special
The management of National Museum, Owerri has cried out to Imo State Government over persistent trespass and marking of their property for demolition by men from the Office of Special Adviser to the Governor on Monitoring and Compliance.
The management said the parcel of land belonging to National Museum, Owerri was duly allocated to it in 1988 by the then military governor of the state, Capt Amadi Ikwechegh, with all relevant title, allocation and supporting documents available.
In a letter titled: “Illegal Encroachment on National Museum Owerri: A Call for Immediate Land Recovery Action”, Mrs Nancy Ikpe, the curator, highlighted concerns over illegal trespass and unauthorised occupation of the museum land.
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She emphasised the need for urgent action to recover the land and protect the museum’s interests.
The letter said: “I respectfully bring to the attention of the management of the National Commission for Museums and Monuments (NCMM) and Imo State Government, the persistent and increasingly alarming issue of illegal trespass and unauthorised occupation of portions of land belonging to the National Museum, Owerri, Imo State.”
Despite efforts to stop them, the land grabbers continue to encroach on the museum’s land, said Mrs Ikpe.
“The encroachment persists despite previous interventions and warnings, showing a blatant disregard for federal authority and the importance of preserving national cultural institutions.
‘’Recently, they’ve even erected an illegal perimeter fence, effectively splitting the museum compound in two.
“If not urgently addressed, this situation may crystallise into adverse possession claims, thereby complicating recovery efforts and setting a dangerous precedent for other national museums across the country.”
Mrs Ikpe pleaded for the state government’s intervention, recommending high-level engagement with the governor
She expressed confidence in Governor Hope Uzodimma’s commitment to preserving national heritage, saying: “The governor will not allow any part of their land being illegally occupied.”
