Landowners in Imogwu Community, Omagwa, in Ikwerre Local Government Area of Rivers State, have appealed to the Rivers State Government and the Ikwerre Local Government Council to urgently intervene in what they described as persistent land grabbing in the area.
The affected property owners alleged that the ongoing activities of suspected land grabbers have become a major source of concern, threatening lives, investments, and the peaceful coexistence of residents in the community.
According to the landowners, they legally acquired their respective plots after completing all required payments and obtaining the necessary documentation. However, they claimed that individuals allegedly working in collaboration with some members of the host community have continued to interfere with their ownership rights.
Speaking with our correspondent via telephone, one of the affected landowners, Mr. Samuel Epete, alleged that suspected land grabbers, accompanied by unidentified armed men whose identities could not be confirmed as security operatives, invaded the property, halted ongoing construction work, and ordered workers to leave the site.
He called on the Rivers State Government and relevant security agencies to investigate the matter and ensure that justice is served, warning that the situation could escalate if urgent action is not taken.
The affected landowners also appealed for immediate government intervention to prevent a possible breakdown of law and order in the community.
One of the property owners commended the Chairman of Ikwerre Local Government Area, Hon. Charles Wobodo, for his prompt response to the complaints and for setting up a committee to investigate the allegations of land grabbing. The landowners also praised security agencies for their efforts in maintaining peace and preventing the situation from deteriorating.
Meanwhile, the owner of Premium City Estate, who was contacted by our correspondent for his reaction to the allegations, declined to comment.
