…Urges Enugu Governor, IGP to act to prevent further bloodshed

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 urgent and decisive action to prevent 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 Inspector-General of Police, RULAAC expressed grave concern over recent developments, including a proposed mandatory registration through the privately managed Venco App as a condition for public access through the M-Trans Access Point (Centenary Gate) linking Amechi and Obeagu communities.

The petitions  signed by it’s Executive Director, Okechukwu Nwanguma noted that while private estate managers may adopt reasonable security measures within their estates, no private entity has the legal authority to impose access restrictions on what serves as a public road or require members of the public to register on a privately managed digital platform before exercising their constitutional right to freedom of movement.

Beyond the access restriction, RULAAC warned that the dispute has already been associated with serious allegations of violent attacks and multiple killings, making urgent government intervention imperative.

Among the cases highlighted in the petitions is the December 2021 murder of Inspector Celestine Oriodovwe of the Force Criminal Investigation Department (FCID), Enugu Annex, who was reportedly investigating petitions relating to the disputed land.

RULAAC also referenced the killing of  Onyedika Chukwu Ede during a violent confrontation in October 2025, as well as other reported homicide cases linked to the long-running dispute.

According to RULAAC, information made available by affected communities indicates that investigations into the killings have reportedly been concluded and that suspects have allegedly been identified.

The organisation  however expressed concern that no prosecution has commenced despite the gravity of the offences.

“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,” RULAAC said.

It stressed that murder allegations must never be overshadowed by civil disputes over land ownership and called on law enforcement authorities to ensure that criminal accountability is pursued impartially and without fear or favour.

RULAAC also urged the Inspector-General of Police to review allegations of abuse of police investigative processes, including claims of forum shopping and undue influence in investigations connected with the disputed land, while emphasizing that such allegations should be independently examined in the interest of justice and public confidence.

The organisation appealed to Governor Mbah to direct 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 for dialogue aimed at peacefully resolving the dispute.

RULAAC emphasised that the combination of unresolved land litigation, allegations of multiple killings, delayed prosecutions, and emerging access restrictions has 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 stated.

RULAAC reaffirmed its commitment to promoting peaceful conflict resolution, accountability, and respect for the Constitution and urged all parties to refrain from violence and allow lawful institutions to resolve the dispute.