The Enugu State government has rebutted claims of demolitions and forcible evictions in Nchatancha Nike, a community affected by the construction of New Enugu City, initiated by Governor Peter Mbah in October. It attributed the protests and disruptions, including the recent attack on a bulldozer, to land grabbers within the community who illicitly sell portions of acquired and gazetted lands to unsuspecting buyers. The government asserted that some perpetrators had been apprehended.
Enugu city
While acknowledging that affected communities had been served notices during previous administrations’ land acquisitions, the current administration under Governor Peter Mbah prioritizes a humane approach, ensuring compensation and proper relocation precede any demolitions. Prof. Chidiebere Onyia, the Secretary to Enugu State Government, clarified these points during a site visit with journalists at Nchatancha Nike.
Prof. Onyia emphasized the government’s commitment to completing the first phase of the New City within 24 months, as agreed with the China Communication Construction Company (CCCC). He highlighted the governor’s proactive engagement with communities and instructed contractors to implement 24-hour construction operations.
Enugu city
Regarding land sales, Prof. Onyia attributed them to a few community members taking advantage of the government’s ambitious development plans. He clarified that the acquisition process predates the current administration and reiterated the absence of residential structures in the cleared area, mainly comprising farmlands and federal institutions’ properties.
Enugu city
To ensure fairness, the governor established an Inter-Ministerial Committee overseeing compensation processes. Prof. Onyia affirmed that no submissions had been received for compensation yet, as demolitions had not commenced. He underscored the government’s commitment to transparent and equitable resettlement practices amid the development project.
