In a bid to clear the air and set the record straight, the Chairman of the Enugu Capital Territory Development Authority (ECTDA), Chief Uche Anya, has debunked the widespread social media reports that he was manhandled and beaten by military officers from the 82 Division of the Nigerian Army, Enugu.
Speaking to former members of the Enugu State House of Assembly, led by Dr. Alex Ogbonnia, who paid him a solidarity visit in his office on Wednesday, Anya narrated the true events that transpired, which led to the face-off between ECTDA and the army officers.
According to Anya, the incident occurred on December 5, when ECTDA received a report from one of its units that a development was ongoing at Park Avenue, GRA, without the necessary approvals. Upon visiting the site, Anya and his team were met with resistance from the developers, who were allegedly guarded by soldiers.
Anya explained that despite his team’s insistence on seeing the approved plan and permit, the developers refused, prompting ECTDA to stop the work and mark the site with a “Stop Work” notice. Anya claimed that he subsequently reached out to the General Officer Commanding (GOC) 82 Division, Enugu, to inform him about the incident.
However, three days later, Anya alleged that the developers had wiped out the “Stop Work” notice and resumed work on the site. In response, ECTDA rolled out its equipment and pulled down the fence, leading to a confrontation with the army officers.
Anya recounted that on the night of the incident, he noticed strange movements around his street, with people taking photographs. At around 2:30 a.m., two Armoured Personnel Carriers (APCs) arrived on his street, and people in mufti with guns jumped into his compound.
Anya claimed that it took the intruders almost 90 minutes to break into his house through the kitchen. He attributed the exaggeration of the incident on social media to mischief makers.
While commending his former House of Assembly members for their solidarity visit, Anya stated that the matter had been resolved.
Earlier, Ogbonnia, who led the delegation, expressed their concern over the reports of the incident and the alleged involvement of the military. Ogbonnia described Anya as a meticulous and law-abiding person who would not act arbitrarily.
Ogbonnia emphasized the importance of respecting constituted authority in a democracy, stating that no person or group should undermine the authority of the government. He praised ECTDA’s efforts in maintaining urban planning and ensuring that illegal structures are not allowed in the city.
“We want to use this opportunity to thank God for you and to tell the world that we hold you in very high esteem,” Ogbonnia said.
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