By Adadainfo
Hundreds of residents of Iva Valley, Enugu, Tuesday, took to the street to protest what they called ‘moves’ by Enugu State Ministry of Lands to snatch’ their lands.
The protesters carried placards bearing inscriptions like ‘If the government allows this injustice to prevail, they should forget about our votes in 2023’.
‘Did we vote you to punish us?”, and ‘Say no to land grabbers’.
Our correspondent gathered that the affected residents are those of Forestry Plantation.
“We have lived here for decades,” said a resident. “We retired from Forestry and had these quarters monetised for us. Some occupants still pay rents to the government.
“This is a federal government establishment. How come the state wants us to leave?”
A woman, Patience Oko, said, “This place is significant because we are usefully engaged in farming within. We are the main suppliers of improved seedlings of all crops in Enugu State.
“Unlike other parts of the state, Iva Valley has constant supply of water. The big men want to chase us to the village.”
Our correspondent saw an ultimatum given to residents to remove structures in the affected areas within 24 hours. The date elapsed yesterday.
Efforts are on to get the response of the authorities of the state ministry of lands.
