The traditional ruler of Okahia Autonomous Community, Eze Okey Ananaba, has raised alarm over the growing land acquisitions by suspected herdsmen in Obingwa Local Government Area of Abia State, which he described as a serious security threat to the region.
Speaking during a town hall meeting with officials from the Greater Aba Development Authority (GADA), Ananaba expressed concerns about the destruction of farmlands and the possession of illegal firearms, including AK-47 rifles, by the herders. These actions, he said, had heightened tensions in the area as the herders threatened to kill vigilantes and farmers who confronted them.
Ananaba pointed out that suspected herdsmen had already acquired over 5,000 plots of land in key border communities such as Mgboko Umuanunu, close to Akwa Ibom State, and Akpaa Mbato, near the National Institute for Nigerian Languages (NINLAN) in Aba. He also noted that large-scale land acquisitions were occurring in other communities in Obingwa LGA.
The monarch warned that these land acquisitions could serve as operational bases for violent attacks on local residents. He questioned the motives behind such large land grabs and urged the Abia State Government to investigate the issue. He also revealed that traditional rulers in the area had repeatedly petitioned the state government to stop these land transactions but had received no action or response.
“We have reported this issue to the government multiple times, but our concerns have been ignored. The situation continues to threaten the people and raises fears of violence like what we’ve seen in Benue and Plateau states,” said Ananaba.
During the meeting, some residents suggested that certain traditional rulers in the area might be complicit in the land dealings. They called on the government to conduct thorough investigations before registering such massive land acquisitions.
The traditional ruler also urged the government to address the situation quickly, highlighting the risk of insecurity in Abia State. “We need peace, not insecurity in Abia. The government must do the right thing to prevent further disturbances in our communities,” he stressed.
Governor Alex Otti was also urged to intervene and stop the unchecked land acquisition process, which many fear could lead to further unrest and displacement of local residents.
