UMUCHIMA ALLEGES LAND GRABBING LINKED TO WORKS MINISTER DAVID UMAHI
By Emeka Amaefula
The Umuchima community in Eweze Autonomous Community, Uburu, Ohaozara Local Government Area of Ebonyi State, has petitioned President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the National Assembly over what it describes as years of violent land dispossession, demolitions, displacement and loss of lives, allegations the community claims are linked to the influence of the Federal Minister of Works, Engr. David Nweze Umahi.
In a statement issued under the banner of “the concerned people of Umuchima,” the community called on the President, as Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, to declare land grabbing a national emergency and classify it as an act of terrorism through an executive bill to be forwarded to the National Assembly.
“We are no longer dealing with ordinary land disputes,” the statement said. “What is happening in Umuchima is organised violence that has turned peaceful citizens into refugees on their own ancestral land.”
The community traced the roots of the crisis to May 29, 2015, when Senator Umahi assumed office as Governor of Ebonyi State. According to the people, expectations were high in Uburu, his hometown, including Umuchima, one of the fourteen villages in Uburu made up of four districts—Enuagu, Eweze, Enuebor and Agugwu—and regarded as one of the most populous communities with vast ancestral land.
“We welcomed one of our own with hope,” the people said, “but that hope quickly turned into fear when our homes and farmlands became targets under the guise of state and federal government projects.”
The statement alleged that natives of Umuchima were forcefully evicted from ancestral homes and farmlands, often accompanied by intimidation, harassment and threats. “Armed men came into our community, bullied our elders and treated us like strangers on land our forefathers lived and died on,” the statement read.
According to the community, the demolition of ancestral homes, farmlands, economic trees and cultural sites amounted to a desecration of customs and traditions and led to severe emotional trauma. “We saw graves of our ancestors excavated,” the people said. “That alone is a deep insult to our heritage.”
The statement listed several deaths which the community attributed to shock, trauma and distress following demolitions and displacement. “Our mothers and fathers did not die in war,” the statement said. “They died from heartbreak, fear and humiliation after everything they struggled for was taken away.”
Residents of Enuebor Umuchima were said to be living in constant fear. “Nobody sleeps with both eyes closed anymore,” the statement added. “The sound of heavy machines sends panic through the community because no one knows whose compound will be next.”
The community alleged that the situation persisted even after Senator Umahi left office as governor and assumed his current role as Minister of Works. “Power has changed hands, but our suffering has continued,” the people said. “We are still being treated as if our lives and properties do not matter.”
The statement further alleged that certain individuals, including non-indigenes and some Umuchima natives, were recruited to facilitate the alleged land seizures. On those from Umuchima, the people said, “Some of our own sons were deceived and turned against their brothers. Many later confessed that they had lost the courage to say no to their paymaster.”
The community also cited incidents of intimidation, alleged abductions and destruction of property over the years, including attacks following community meetings and night raids on homes. “These actions traumatised our women and children and left lasting scars on the community,” the statement said.
On more recent developments, the people alleged that members of the Umuchima Community National Leadership were targeted outside Ebonyi State in 2025. “Even our leaders are no longer safe,” the statement added. “The intention is to silence us at all costs.”
In its appeal, the community called on Nigerians of goodwill, civil society organisations and human rights activists to intervene and amplify their plight. “We are begging the nation to hear our cry,” the statement said. “Let the Federal and State Governments send an independent delegation to Umuchima to identify any genuine government projects and clearly define the size of land required for such projects.”
The people insisted that many residents have been rendered homeless and impoverished, and that several deaths have occurred since 2018 as a result of the ongoing crisis. They argued that declaring land grabbing a national emergency and treating it as terrorism would help protect vulnerable communities across the country.
“Mr President, land grabbing is destroying communities and killing innocent people,” the statement concluded. “If urgent action is not taken, more lives will be lost.”
The statement was signed by representatives of the concerned people of Umuchima.
Editor’s Note:
The allegations contained in this report are claims made by the Umuchima community. Engr. David Nweze Umahi, the Federal Minister of Works and other individuals mentioned had not responded publicly to these claims as at the time of filing this report. This report presents the community’s account in the public interest and does not represent a judicial determination.
—–Emeka Amaefula —-+234(0)8111813068—
