RULAAC Raises Alarm Over Enugu Land Dispute, Urges Mbah, IGP to Prevent Further Bloodshed

…Warns against private restrictions on public access, demands justice over unresolved killings

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The Rule of Law and Accountability Advocacy Centre (RULAAC) has called on the Governor of Enugu State, Dr. Peter Mbah, and the Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Disu, to take immediate and decisive steps to avert a further breakdown of law and order arising from 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.

In separate petitions addressed to the governor and the police chief, the advocacy organisation expressed deep concern over recent developments, particularly the proposed compulsory registration on the privately managed Venco App as a prerequisite for accessing the M-Trans Access Point (Centenary Gate), a major route connecting the two communities.

The petitions, signed by RULAAC’s Executive Director, Okechukwu Nwanguma, argued that while private estate developers are entitled to implement reasonable security measures within their estates, no private entity has the legal authority to restrict access to what functions as a public road or compel citizens to register on a privately controlled digital platform before exercising their constitutional right to freedom of movement.

Beyond the access controversy, RULAAC warned that the lingering land dispute has already been marked by allegations of violent attacks and multiple killings, making urgent government intervention imperative.

Among the incidents highlighted was the December 2021 killing of Inspector Celestine Oriodovwe of the Force Criminal Investigation Department (FCID), Enugu Annex, who was reportedly investigating petitions related to the disputed land.

The organisation also cited the October 2025 killing of Onyedika Chukwu Ede during a violent confrontation, alongside other reported homicide cases linked to the dispute.

According to RULAAC, information from affected communities suggests that investigations into the killings have been concluded and suspects identified, yet no prosecutions have 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.

RULAAC stressed that allegations of murder should never be overshadowed by civil litigation over land ownership, urging law enforcement agencies to pursue criminal accountability impartially and without fear or favour.

The organisation also called on the Inspector-General of Police to review allegations of abuse of investigative processes, including claims of forum shopping and undue influence in police investigations connected to the disputed land, insisting that such allegations should be independently investigated to safeguard public confidence in the justice system.

It 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 inquiry, and convene all relevant stakeholders to pursue a peaceful resolution of the dispute through dialogue.

RULAAC warned that the combination of unresolved land litigation, allegations of multiple killings, delayed prosecutions and emerging access restrictions has significantly heightened tensions within 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 accountability, peaceful conflict resolution and respect for the Constitution, while urging all parties involved to refrain from violence and allow lawful institutions to resolve the dispute.