Carrying placards and chanting solidarity songs, the women of Umuda-Isingwu, in Umuahia North Local Government Area of Abia State, recently came out in their numbers all dressed in black attires, decrying how major parts of their lands have become habitation for Fulani herders.
In a peaceful protest to Government House, Umuahia, the women were seen carrying placards with inscriptions, such as, “Our Land is not for sale, Our women use the land for farming, we don’t have any other land, food is more important than housing, Gov Otti, save our children from going hungry”. While others read “Our children are dying of hunger, Chaka Chukwumerije, stop defying the voice of the people “.
Addressing the Secretary to the State Government, Emmanuel Meribole, who received the aggrieved women on behalf of the government, the women, led by Mrs. Nkechi Nnodimele, recounted the origin of the crisis.
According to her, in 2018, some individuals allegedly approached the community over a parcel of land located along Ubani Ibeku, claiming it would be developed into an estate.
She explained that the proposal was rejected by the community, particularly because the land serves as a major source of livelihood for the women, who depend on it for farming activities.
Nnodimele alleged that despite the rejection, the land was forcefully taken and has since remained undeveloped, and eventually becoming a settlement area for Fulani herders. She further lamented that recent developments have worsened the situation, as another portion of the land currently under cultivation by the women, was reportedly bulldozed, destroying crops including cassava.
“Our women depend on that land for survival. What was planted had not matured before everything was destroyed. We have no other land for farming or for future use. If we keep quiet, it means Umuda Isingwu no longer has land”, she said.
Responding, the SSG, Emmanuel Meribole, commended the women for their peaceful conduct and assured them that their grievances would be addressed. He noted that the matter is already known to the Commissioner for Lands, Chaka Chukwumerije.
Also speaking, the SSG disclosed that the Umuahia North Mayor, Smart Ihuoma, equally assured that he would engage relevant stakeholders on the matter, promising to visit the community within one week to assess the situation and provide solutions.
He stated further that they were already in contact with the community’s President General and reiterated the government’s commitment to resolving the issue.
The SSG also promised to brief Governor Alex Otti on the matter for prompt action.
Our reporter gathered that the women later visited the Umuahia North Local Government Council to see the Mayor of the area.
