…Send S.O.S to Tinubu
…”Army threatens to take over locations of my palace, our shrines and governor’s ancestral home” – traditional ruler
Tension has erupted in Owo, the ancestral community of Enugu State Governor, Dr. Peter Mbah, as residents stormed the streets on Monday in a mass protest against what they described as a fresh military invasion, destruction of property, and an attempt by the Nigerian Army to forcefully annex their land.
The protest comes only days after the widely reported confrontation between the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, and naval personnel over alleged illegal land development by a former Chief of Naval Staff — a clash that has now cast a national spotlight on rising military–civilian land disputes.
Women, elders, and youths poured into the streets of Owo carrying placards that read: “Owo land is not barracks,” “Respect the constitution,” “Say No to Military Land Grabbing,” and “President Tinubu, save us from military intimidation.” Their message was clear: the community is under threat, and they want the Commander-in-Chief to intervene.
Counsel to Owo community, Barr. Igwenagu Ngene, told journalists that the crisis dates back to November 2015 when residents woke up to military markings on their buildings: “Remove, Army land, keep off.” Billboards and beacons were allegedly erected across the community — a move the people considered a hostile takeover.
“We immediately wrote to the General Officer Commanding the 82 Division in November 2015 asking for withdrawal of the soldiers,” Ngene said. “When there was no response, we wrote the Enugu State Government and the House of Assembly. The Army kept insisting the entire land belonged to them. Except in a case of military conquest, where after conquering you annex territory, this is unheard of.”
Ngene added that the Ministry of Lands invited both parties but the Army “declined to make any comment,” maintaining its ownership claim. The matter was eventually taken to the National Assembly, where lawmakers conducted hearings and a fact-finding visit. “The Army could not produce any document to prove ownership, and they were asked to stay away,” he stated.
According to Ngene, the Army withdrew but returned in April 2025, prompting the community to secure a restraining order. “The Enugu State High Court, presided over by Justice C. O. Ajah, issued a clear injunction — stay off the land pending final determination of the case,” he said.
At his palace, the traditional ruler, Igwe Godwin Okeke Arum, struggled to hold back tears as he condemned the actions of the military.
“It is disheartening that a whole community will be asked to quit to nowhere for no reason other than the fact that some people are wielding guns and jackboots bought with taxpayers’ money,” he said.
“Sometime in 2015, the Army mounted billboards across the community telling us to quit. They are not heeding the courts or the rule of law. The Army has even threatened to take over my palace, our shrines, and the ancestral home of the governor. Can you imagine that?”
Igwe Arum accused the soldiers of harassing residents, demolishing ongoing projects, and scaring away potential investors.
The President-General of Owo community, Chief John Ogbu, issued an urgent plea to both the federal and state governments.
“This is a direct plea to President Bola Tinubu,” he said. “He should halt this attempt to snatch our lands at gunpoint. Our people cannot access their farms. Investors are being chased away. This is democracy, not military rule. The Army is not above the courts or the laws of Enugu State and Nigeria.”
With tension rising and accusations of constitutional violation mounting, the Owo community insists they will continue to resist what they call a “military siege” — until the federal government intervenes.
