Tension has escalated in Owo, the ancestral community of Enugu State Governor, Dr. Peter Mbah, as residents on Monday embarked on a mass protest against what they described as a renewed invasion by the Nigerian Army, destruction of property, and an alleged attempt to forcibly annex their land.
The protest comes barely days after the widely publicized clash between the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, and naval personnel over alleged illegal land development by a former Chief of Naval Staff — an incident that has further heightened national attention on increasing military–civilian land disputes across the country.
Women, elders, and youths trooped into the streets of Owo carrying placards with inscriptions such as: “Owo land is not barracks,” “Respect the constitution,” “Say No to Military Land Grabbing,” and “President Tinubu, save us from military intimidation.” The protesters said the community is under siege and called on President Bola Tinubu to intervene urgently.
Speaking to journalists, the counsel to the community, Barr. Igwenagu Ngene, explained that the crisis began in November 2015 when residents discovered military markings on their homes reading: “Remove, Army land, keep off.” He said the Army also planted beacons and erected billboards across the community in what locals viewed as an attempt at forceful takeover.
Ngene said letters were immediately sent to the General Officer Commanding (GOC) 82 Division in 2015, and later to the Enugu State Government and the State House of Assembly, but the Army insisted that the land belonged to them. “Except in a case of military conquest where, after conquering, you annex territory, this is unheard of,” he stated.
He further revealed that when the Ministry of Lands invited both parties, the Army declined to make comments but continued to lay claim to the land. The issue eventually reached the National Assembly, which conducted hearings and a fact-finding visit. “The Army could not produce any document to establish ownership, and they were told to stay away,” Ngene noted.
According to him, although the Army initially withdrew, soldiers allegedly returned in April 2025, prompting the community to obtain a restraining order. “The Enugu State High Court, presided over by Justice C. O. Ajah, issued a clear injunction asking them to stay off the land pending determination of the case,” he said.
At his palace, the traditional ruler of Owo, Igwe Godwin Okeke Arum, lamented the situation, saying the community is being treated unfairly. Fighting back tears, he said:
“It is disheartening that a whole community will be asked to quit to nowhere for no reason other than the fact that some people are wielding guns and jackboots bought with taxpayers’ money. The Army has even threatened to take over my palace, our shrines, and the ancestral home of the governor. Can you imagine that?”
He accused soldiers of harassing residents, demolishing ongoing projects, and scaring away potential investors.
The President-General of the community, Chief John Ogbu, issued a direct appeal to both federal and state authorities.
“This is a direct plea to President Bola Tinubu. He should halt this attempt to snatch our lands at gunpoint. Our people cannot access their farms, and investors are being chased away. This is democracy, not military rule. The Army is not above the courts or the laws of Enugu State and Nigeria,” he said.
With residents vowing to resist what they describe as a “military siege,” the Owo community insists that they will not back down until the federal government intervenes decisively.
