An Enugu-based transport company, Peace Mass Transit Limited, has alleged the invasion and destruction of its property along the Ugwuogo-Opi road in Enugu State.

The company said the 8.5-hectare property, which houses fenced premises and buildings, was attacked on Monday night by suspected land grabbers, who arrived with a bulldozer and demolished structures within the compound.

Public Relations Officer of the company, Progress Eze, told reporters in Enugu that the intruders first pulled down the perimeter fence before moving inside to demolish a three-bedroom building at the centre of the premises and a large security post near the gate.
“They did not stop at demolition. They went ahead to cart away aluminium sheets, iron rods, the gate, and other movable items from the vandalised property,” Eze alleged.

He confirmed that the police have since arrested four suspects in connection with the incident and recovered some of the looted materials. He urged the authorities to extend investigations beyond those arrested and uncover the masterminds behind the attack.

The owner of Peace Mass Transit, Dr. Samuel Onyishi, said he had contacted the Chairman of Enugu Capital Territory Development Authority, Uche Anya, to clarify if the government had any involvement in the incident.
“Mr. Anya told me categorically that he knew nothing about it and did not authorise anyone to carry out such action. He even asked me to record his statement, assuring that if government wanted to revoke my land, I would first be invited to defend myself,” Onyishi stated.

When contacted, the State Police Public Relations Officer, Daniel Ndukwe, said he was yet to be formally briefed on the development.