The people of Obegueze Amankanu Amuri Autonomous community in Nkanu West Local Government Area, Enugu State has urged the government to reclaim several unused lands that have been occupied by criminals for criminal activities in the community.
The community made this call during their general meeting held at St. Anne's Primary School, Obegueze Amankanu Amurri.
Addressing the press, the traditional ruler of the community, His Royal Highness, Igwe Linus H.C. Nwobodo, stated that some criminal elements in their community have started perpetrating all sorts of evil, such as the sale of unauthorized lands, kidnapping, robbery, and other social vices, using their names, which he said is portraying the community in a bad light.
He stated that the community has done its best to curb such nefarious practices, but much more can still be done by the state government to end them.
The monarch praised Governor Peter Ndubuisi Mbah for his outstanding leadership in the state, adding that the Governor has shown his dedication to fulfilling his campaign promises, naming him "Oji Egbe Eje Agha."
"We, as a community, have come together to put an end to some illegal activities perpetrated by some people just to give us a bad name.
"The recent happenings in our community, such as kidnapping, illegal sale of lands, and so on, are not right because lands cannot be sold without proper verification of the owners.
"We, as a community, cannot partake in remunerations made from the purchase of illegally sold lands, and we have decided to ensure that thorough verifications are made to ascertain the true owners of any property before it is sold.
"We have a lot of unused lands in our community, and since every land is owned by the government, we also want the State Government to come and take some, especially those used by criminal elements as hideouts.
"We, as a community, are happy with the leadership of Barr. Peter Ndubuisi Mbah, who has been doing his best to fulfill all his campaign promises. He is the 'Oji Egbe Eje Agha' that we know."
The monarch also called on the good people of Obegueze Amankanu Amurri to foster goodwill amongst themselves, as they can only progress when there is tranquility among them.
In his remarks, the President-General of the community, Hon. Victor Okechukwu, said the meeting became necessary due to the rising insecurity in the community, which, if not checked, could bring calamity upon them.
He stated that a lot of lands in the community are unused, which some criminals are using to perpetrate evil on people, making it necessary for the state government to come and use them for the good of all.
"These lands, which were once seen as a blessing to our community, have unfortunately become a curse due to the criminal activities taking place there. It is no longer just about unused land but about the safety and security of our people. We need the government's intervention to ensure these areas are transformed into assets that benefit everyone, rather than being exploited by criminals."
Hon. Okechukwu also reinforced the decision of the community to end the Fulani invasion of their land, as many ungodly actions towards their people are often linked to them.
He also called for unity and reiterated the commitment of his leadership to fostering peace among warring villages, adding that all pending court cases have been withdrawn and out-of-court settlements have been made.
He, however, called on all the good people of Obegueze Amankanu Amurri Autonomous Community to join hands in supporting the administration of Governor Peter Ndubuisi Mbah wherever they are, as he has, through his leadership, shown that he is an answered prayer to the State.
"We cannot afford to remain divided at a time like this. Our unity is our strength, and it is only by coming together that we can truly address the challenges facing our community. We have already made significant strides by resolving disputes out of court, and I believe this spirit of cooperation will continue to guide us as we work towards a safer and more prosperous community."
"I am calling on all our sons and daughters all over the world to join hands in supporting Governor Peter Ndubuisi Mbah, for he has, through his good works, shown leadership readiness for transformation and emancipation of our dear state."
"He has continued to show that he is an answered prayer to our dear state."
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Also speaking, one of the community leaders, Chief Lazarus Mbaagu, appreciated Governor Peter Ndubuisi Mbah for his numerous interventions in the community, which, he said, is one of the reasons they still breathe.
He stated that the Governor has been using security agencies to clamp down on criminals and other hoodlums trying to bring the community down.
Chief Mbaagu also said the community is willing to give more lands to the State Government for infrastructural development.
"We recognize the importance of development, and we believe that by offering these lands to the government, we are not only securing our community but also opening up opportunities for growth and progress. The infrastructural projects that could be initiated here would not only create jobs but also enhance the living standards of our people."
"We are committed to supporting Governor Mbah's vision for Enugu State. His dedication to the welfare of our people is evident, and as a community, we are ready to partner with the government to ensure that peace and development are sustained in Obegueze Amankanu Amurri."
