Imo women protest land grab, threaten naked march

Imo women protest land grab, accusing politicians of seizing ancestral farmland. They threaten naked march if land is not returned

The women, who took to the streets in a peaceful demonstration, accused unnamed politicians of seizing more than 5,000 hectares of farmland.

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They said the encroachment has left many families starving, as farming is their only means of survival.

Speaking to journalists, women’s leader Mrs Elizabeth Okere lamented that the affected lands at Ndichie Uzo Ubi, Agaranwa, Ngara and Ahaba have fed generations of the community.

“We prefer going naked on the street to dying of hunger in our own land,” she declared. “When we talk, they chase us away with thugs. If they don’t want us to call on our ancestors naked, they should return the land to us.”

Village chairman Mr Chiaka Amagba said the encroachment threatens the community’s existence. “It’s our ancestral land we used for farming. They don’t have any business taking it. We appeal to the authorities to help us recover it,” he said.

Youth leader Eugene Onyema alleged that thugs loyal to the politicians harass villagers who attempt to resist. “They brag and tell us we cannot do anything. We beg Amnesty International and government to help us,” he said.

Village secretary Mr Chris Nwogu warned of worsening hunger. “We experienced bad harvest last year and this year may be worse. Our children are starving.

Urgent help is needed before the little left is also grabbed,” he noted.

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The village leadership confirmed plans to petition authorities, calling for intervention before the situation escalates.

Quadri Olaitan