Rights Group Alerts Gov. Mbah, IGP Over Rising Tension in Enugu Land Dispute

A Civil Rights Group, the Rule of Law and Accountability Advocacy Centre (RULAAC), has raised the alarm over escalating tensions surrounding the protracted land dispute between Private Estate International (West Africa) Limited (PEIWA) and the Amechi Uwani and Obeagu Awkunanaw communities in Enugu South Local Government Area, warning that urgent government intervention is needed to avert further bloodshed.

In separate petitions to Enugu State Governor, Dr. Peter Mbah, and the Inspector-General of Police, Tunji Disu, RULAAC urged both authorities to act swiftly to restore public confidence, protect constitutional rights, and prevent a breakdown of law and order.

The rights group expressed particular concern over a proposed policy requiring members of the public to register on the privately managed Venco App before accessing the M-Trans Access Point (Centenary Gate), which links the Amechi and Obeagu communities.

While acknowledging that estate developers may adopt reasonable security measures within private estates, RULAAC argued that no private company has the legal authority to restrict access to what functions as a public road or compel citizens to register on a private digital platform before exercising their constitutional right to freedom of movement.

The organization also highlighted a series of violent incidents linked to the disputed land, including the December 2021 killing of Force Criminal Investigation Department (FCID) officer, Inspector Celestine Oriodovwe, who was reportedly investigating petitions over the land, and the October 2025 death of Mr. Onyedika Chukwu Ede during a violent confrontation.

According to RULAAC, affected communities claim investigations into the killings have been concluded and suspects identified, but prosecutions have yet to commence.

"The continued delay in prosecuting serious homicide cases not only denies justice to victims and their families but also undermines public confidence in the criminal justice system," the organization said.

RULAAC called on the Inspector-General of Police to review allegations of abuse of investigative processes, including claims of forum shopping and undue influence, while urging Governor Mbah to order an immediate investigation into the legal status of the M-Trans Access Point, suspend any access restrictions pending the outcome, and convene all stakeholders for dialogue.

The organization warned that unresolved litigation, allegations of multiple killings, delayed prosecutions, and emerging access restrictions have significantly heightened tensions, stressing that only swift action, justice, and respect for the rule of law can prevent another tragic loss of life.