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The Amachai Community in Oshimili North Local Government ,Delta State has accused a property developer, Sam Morah, of unlawfully acquiring large portions of its ancestral land, alleging continued trespass, destruction of farmlands and buildings on the disputed property.
The allegations were made during a peaceful protest in Asaba, where members of the community appealed to the Delta State Government to urgently intervene to prevent a breakdown of law and order.
Speaking on behalf of the community, the Diokpa Isi of Amachai Community, Reymond Egwuogu, alleged that the developer had encroached on about 2,500 acres of community land, including several farm settlements that serve as the primary source of livelihood for residents.
Egwuogu said the disputed land stretches across areas bordering Ibusa and neighbouring communities, where, according to him, the developer has taken possession of extensive farmlands.
“There are about 2,500 acres of our land that have been occupied. We have farm settlements all over those places, and every one of them has been taken over.
“Our farmlands are gone, our crops have been destroyed, and even buildings have been affected. I cannot fully express what our people are going through,” he said.
The community leader further alleged that some police personnel aided the unlawful invasion of the land, describing the situation as disturbing and calling for an investigation into the alleged involvement of security operatives in the dispute.
He said the peaceful protest was the community’s last resort, stressing that residents had deliberately chosen not to resort to self-help despite what they described as persistent provocation.
“We believe this is our last resort. We do not want to take the law into our own hands. We appeal to our Governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, to come to our aid and stop what is happening on our land.
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“We also urge the appropriate police authorities to investigate the alleged involvement of officers in this matter,” Egwuogu added.
The protesters called on the Delta State Government to protect their ancestral land, restore peace to the community and ensure that due process is followed in resolving the dispute.
Receiving the protesters on behalf of Governor Sheriff Oborevwori, the Director of Protocol to the Governor, Sonny Onoriode, assured them that their grievances would be communicated to the governor.
He urged the community to remain peaceful and continue to maintain law and order while awaiting the government’s response.
“I want to urge you, as you return home, to maintain law and order. Extend our warm greetings to the people of Amachai and be assured that your message has been received and will be conveyed appropriately,” Onoriode said.
When contacted, the developer, Sam Morah, denied the allegations of land grabbing, insisting that he lawfully acquired the land.
According to him, those leading the protest were not among the original owners who sold the land several years ago.
Morah maintained that all documents relating to the acquisition are valid and intact, adding that as a Nigerian citizen, he has the constitutional right to acquire land anywhere in the country through lawful means.
“I bought the land genuinely. Those protesting are not the original people who sold the land years ago. I acquired the land lawfully, and all the documents relating to the transaction are intact and valid,” he said.
