Women of Umuiche, Elelem community in Ngor-Okpala Local Government Area of Imo State, staged a protest over alleged encroachment on their ancestral farmland.
The protesters said farmlands at Ndichie Uzo Ubi, Agaranwa, Ngara and Ahaba, relied upon by families for subsistence farming, have been taken over, leaving many without access to their livelihood.
Leader of the women, Mrs. Elizabeth Okere, warned that the group could resort to a naked protest if urgent steps were not taken to return the land.
“When we talk, we are prevented from accessing our farms. What you’re seeing today is small compared with what could happen next if our land is not returned to us,” she said.
The village chairman, Mr. Chiaka Amagba, estimated that more than 5,000 hectares were affected, while youth leader, Mr. Eugene Onyema, alleged that young people in the area were facing intimidation.
Both appealed to the Imo State government to intervene.
The claims could not be independently verified as of press time, but community leaders have urged authorities to investigate and resolve the matter.