Abia State government has promised to look into the alleged destruction of Ugwu Akwu Osa and Agbiyi farmlands belonging to Umuda-Isingwu community in Umuahia North LGA.
The Secretary to Abia State Government, Emmanuel Meribole, made the promise on Thursday when he addressed the women of Umuda-Isingwu who came to the Government House on a peaceful protest.
The Abia SSG who thanked the women for not resorting to violence in pursuit of their case, assured them that their complaints would be looked into within one week, for amicable resolution.
Meribole informed the protesting women that the Mayor of Umuahia North LGA, Smart Iheoma, Commissioner for Lands Chaka Chukwumerije and the President General of Umuda-Isingwu community would be involved in resolution of the matter.
Presenting the grouse of the community, Mrs Nkechi Nnodimele who led the Umuda-Isingwu women to the Government House, lamented the activities of land grabbers who encroach on and destroy farms belonging to the people.
She regretted that the unauthorized destruction of farm crops could increase hunger, adding that future generations of the community may not have lands to build on if their lands are forcibly taken away from them.
Mrs Nnodimele, who declared that the community is supporting the administration of Governor Alex Otti, appealed to the Abia State government to calm the agitation in the community by identifying and restraining any individual involved in the alleged land grabbing and crops destruction.
The protesters later marched to the Umuahia North LGA headquarters to register their complaints.
