…By Ebuka Onyekwelu

The Senator representing Delta North senatorial district, Senator Ned Nwoko, has intervened in a heated land dispute between Akpoma quarters of Issele-Azagba in Aniocha North Local Government Area, and Ogbe-Ozoma of Okpanam in Oshimili North Local Government of the Delta State.

Only a few weeks ago, an altercation broke out between Chief Chinedu Okeke, more popularly known as Ekwe Ogidi, a businessman, who had purchased the piece of land from the Akpoma community in a duly consummated transaction, and a popular real estate firm. The dispute is that the Ogbe-Ozoma community had sold part of Akpoma land which is owned by Akpoma and has been duly sold to Ekwe Ogidi, to the real estate firm. Shortly after, things speedily degenerated to a free-for-all all that would have escalated further to serious violence, but for the timely intervention of law enforcement and Senator Ned Nwoko.

The senator who was able to reach an understanding with the two communities, set up a committee chaired by Chief Dan Okenyi, former Commissioner for Lands in Delta State, assisted by Barr. F. N Odunna, who served as the secretary of the committee. The report of the committee has been completed after interfacing with a representative of the Ogbe-Ozoma community, a representative of Mr. Chinedu Okeke, and the leadership of the Akpoma community.

According to the report, the land in dispute belongs to the Akpoma community which they have duly sold to Ekwe Ogidi. Part of the report reads as follows; “that if the area allegedly sold to PWAN (the real estate firm) falls within the land owned by Akpoma village, Issele-Azagha in Aniocha Local Government Area of Delta State, then the transaction is illegal, null and void, as one cannot transfer a title which he does not have.”

Recently, there has been an increase in the activities of land grabbers and this portends danger against the peaceful coexistence of communities, as well as constitutes a disinvestment. Anambra State and Delta State appear to be at the front of the crisis; this must be addressed without delay.