Ebonyi State, Nigeria — The Njoku Chita family of Umuchima community, Uburu, in Ohaozara Local Government Area of Ebonyi State, has renewed its call for intervention by relevant authorities over alleged violations of property and human rights arising from reported land seizures linked to the Minister of Works, Engr. Dave Umahi.
In a statement, the family said a recent investigative report by Sahara Reporters has reinforced its long-standing complaints regarding the alleged forceful takeover of ancestral lands in Umuchima, purportedly carried out during Engr. Umahi’s tenure as Governor of Ebonyi State and continuing into his current role as Minister of Works.
The family alleges that the land acquisitions were executed without due process, free, prior and informed consent, or adequate compensation, in violation of constitutionally guaranteed rights to property, dignity, and family life. It further alleged that the actions were undertaken with the involvement of certain traditional authorities, including Eze Laz Umahi, whom the family accused of failing in their duty as neutral custodians of justice and community welfare.
According to the family and other residents, the alleged land seizures resulted in the demolition of homes, destruction of farmlands, displacement of families, and severe socio-economic hardship. They further claim that the reported disturbance of ancestral graves during demolitions has caused deep psychological trauma and heightened communal tension.
The Sahara Reporters investigation, published on December 11, 2025, documented testimonies from residents of Umuchima—described as the largest of the 14 communities in Uburu—who alleged that the community has experienced prolonged displacement, fear and grief following a series of demolitions reportedly carried out for government projects.
The report noted that residents trace the onset of these developments to the period following Engr. Umahi’s assumption of office as governor in 2015, alleging that the pattern of land acquisition and demolitions has persisted even after his appointment as Minister of Works. Their accounts were reportedly presented through the United Umuchima Community General Assembly.
The Njoku Chita family said the findings validate earlier petitions it submitted to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the Department of State Services (DSS), the Inspector-General of Police and other relevant authorities, in which it raised concerns over alleged unlawful land seizure, threats to life, and abuse of power. The minister has reportedly denied the allegations, describing them as baseless and politically motivated.
The family maintains that claims suggesting that affected residents voluntarily surrendered their ancestral lands are inconsistent with testimonies provided by community members and contradict established legal standards governing land acquisition.
It stressed that ancestral land constitutes not only economic property but also cultural heritage and identity, and that any acquisition must comply with the Nigerian Constitution, the Land Use Act, and applicable international human rights instruments, including protections against arbitrary deprivation of property.
The family called for an independent, transparent and impartial investigation into the allegations, including the role of public officials and traditional institutions, to determine compliance with due process and accountability mechanisms.
It further urged federal authorities to take immediate steps to prevent further displacement, intimidation or reprisals against affected residents, and to ensure access to justice, restitution and appropriate remedies for victims.
The Njoku Chita family reaffirmed its commitment to pursuing lawful and peaceful means to protect its ancestral land and the fundamental rights of community members, stating that accountability, justice and respect for human dignity remain essential to sustainable development and social cohesion.
