Steer clear of our land, Amaetiti indigenes warn speculators

Indigenes of Umuegbuo village, Amaetiti town in Orumba North Local Government Area of Anambra State have placed a caveat on their land warning persons wanting to purchase the property to desist as the matter is being resolved at the Supreme Court.

According to indigenes of the town, the matter is before the apex court following a dispute between them and Gbalagu Village in Okpeze town over the land  

Leaders of the community, in a statement, said the dispute, which has lingered for decades, has caused unrest within their community, saying it is their duty as leaders to inform the public about the legal proceedings and the implications that surround the matter.

The leaders identified as Amaechi Celestine Nwankwo, chairman, and Patrick Nnebedum, secretary, said: “We want to make it clear that any individual, group, or association that engages in activities such as purchasing, building, or claiming ownership of any portion of the Umuegbuo land does so entirely at their own risk. This land is currently a subject of legal litigation, and any actions taken on it without the knowledge of the court proceedings may result in severe legal consequences.”

Furthermore, the leaders called on the Anambra State government, as well as all well-meaning Nigerians and the global community, to come to their aid and support them to ensure a peaceful resolution of the dispute.

While revealing that the Anambra State government has, through its White Paper, conclusively determined that the boundary between Amaetiti and Okpeze is the Mamu River, the leaders said: “We believe this determination should serve as a basis for a peaceful resolution to this conflict.

“Our plea is rooted in the desire for a peaceful co-existence with our neighbours in Gbalagu village, Okpeze town. We believe a harmonious resolution to this dispute is possible, one that respects the boundaries set by the Anambra State government’s White Paper.

“It is our hope that this matter can be resolved amicably and justly through the legal process currently underway at the Supreme Court. We welcome dialogue, mediation, and cooperation as we strive for a lasting solution that promotes peace and unity among our communities.”