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From Jude Chinedu, Enugu
The Rule of Law and Accountability Advocacy Centre (RULAAC) has raised concerns over the protracted land dispute involving Private Estate International (West Africa) Limited (PEIWA) and the Amechi Uwani and Obeagu Awkunanaw communities in Enugu South Local Government Area.
The group warned that the lingering crisis could degenerate into further bloodshed if urgent steps are not taken.
The advocacy group called on Governor Peter Mbah of Enugu State and the Inspector-General of Police (IGP) to intervene immediately to restore public confidence, uphold the rule of law, and prevent a breakdown of law and order in the affected communities.
In separate petitions addressed to the governor and the IGP, RULAAC expressed concern over what it described as disturbing developments, including a proposal to make registration on the privately managed Venco App compulsory for members of the public seeking access through the M-Trans Access Point, popularly known as the Centenary Gate, linking Amechi and Obeagu communities.
The organisation argued that while estate developers may implement reasonable security measures within their private estates, they have no legal authority to restrict movement on a public road or compel citizens to register on a privately controlled digital platform before exercising their constitutional right to freedom of movement.
RULAAC said the dispute has also been linked to several violent incidents and alleged killings, making immediate government intervention necessary.
The group cited the December 2021 killing of Inspector Celestine Oriodovwe of the Force Criminal Investigation Department (FCID), Enugu Annex, who was reportedly investigating petitions connected to the disputed land.
It also referenced the death of Onyedika Chukwu Ede during a violent confrontation in October 2025, alongside other reported homicide cases allegedly associated with the lingering land dispute.
RULAAC said information available to it indicated that investigations into the killings had reportedly been concluded and suspects identified, but expressed concern that no prosecution had commenced.
“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 organisation stated.
It maintained that allegations of murder should not be overshadowed by civil disputes over land ownership, urging law enforcement agencies to ensure that criminal cases are handled impartially and without fear or favour.
The group also urged the Inspector-General of Police to review allegations of abuse of police investigative processes, including claims of forum shopping and undue influence in investigations relating to the disputed land.
RULAAC said such allegations should be subjected to an independent review in the interest of justice and public confidence.
The organisation further appealed to Governor Mbah to order an immediate investigation into the legal status of the M-Trans Access Point, suspend any attempt by private interests to restrict public access pending the outcome of the investigation, and convene all relevant stakeholders to facilitate a peaceful resolution of the dispute.
RULAAC warned that unresolved land litigation, allegations of multiple killings, delayed prosecution of suspects and the emerging access restrictions had combined to heighten tension in the affected communities.
“The warning signs are clear. Government must act now to prevent further violence. Justice for victims, respect for the rule of law, protection of constitutional rights, and peaceful resolution of disputes are essential to preventing another tragic loss of life,” the organisation said.
RULAAC reaffirmed its commitment to promoting peaceful conflict resolution, accountability, and respect for the Constitution, while urging all parties involved in the dispute to shun violence and allow lawful institutions to resolve the matter peacefully.
