Umuchima community accuses Umahi of land grabbing

2026-02-25 - 12:16

..Minister’s Aide Dismisses Claims By Nwabueze Okonkwo ONITSHA — Indigenes of Umuchima autonomous community in Uburu, Ohaozara Local Government Area of Ebonyi State, have appealed to the Minister of Works and former Ebonyi State governor, Dave Umahi, to halt what they described as the forceful eviction of kinsmen from their ancestral homes and the alleged seizure of about 300 hectares of community land. In a petition titled “Death Tolls Resulting from Dehumanizing Actions of Senator Umahi Against His Own Kinsmen,” the community alleged that the development began shortly after Umahi assumed office as governor in 2015 and has continued into his current tenure as minister. The petition, signed by Celestine Uzo, Publicity Secretary of the United Umuchima Community General Assembly, called on both the federal and Ebonyi State governments to intervene and return the confiscated lands to their original owners. The petitioners claimed that the lands were initially taken under the pretext of government projects but were later handed over to the minister’s relatives. Allegations of Evictions and Trauma The community lamented that the alleged demolition of ancestral homes, farmlands, and sacred sites caused emotional trauma and, in some cases, deaths among residents. They cited instances involving widows and elderly residents who reportedly suffered severe distress following the demolition of their homes and the disturbance of burial sites. The petitioners also alleged intimidation, harassment, and violence by individuals they described as agents of the minister. According to the petition, the actions created widespread fear in Umuchima, with residents uncertain about whose homes might be demolished next. The community further alleged that some youths were attacked or abducted during the crisis, while properties were vandalised during night-time raids. The petitioners called on human rights organisations and government authorities to investigate the situation, verify any government projects in the area, and determine the actual land required for such developments. “Let the public hear our cry; and let the State and Federal Governments come to our rescue,” the petitioners stated. Aide Rejects Allegations In a swift response, Umahi’s Special Adviser on Media, Uchenna Orji, dismissed the allegations as baseless and fabricated. Orji said the claims lacked cultural and legal foundation, insisting that the minister has contributed significantly to the development of Uburu and Ebonyi State. “This story is fabricated and tainted with falsehood. The allegations are insensible and run parallel with reality,” Orji said. He added that the minister should not be drawn into what he described as attempts by local troublemakers to tarnish his image, urging the public to disregard the claims. The dispute highlights growing tensions within the Umuchima community, as residents continue to seek intervention over land ownership and alleged evictions, while the minister’s camp maintains that the accusations are unfounded.