Anambra Community Youths Demand Probe Into Alleged Land Sales, Disappearance Of Man Missing Since 2022 | Sahara Reporters

The protesting youths said they were seeking answers to questions including who allegedly sold the lands, who bought them, who authorised the transactions, where the relevant documents were and who the rightful owners of the affected properties were.

The Concerned Abba Youths Forum has called for an independent investigation into alleged acquisition and sale of parcels of land in Amabor Village, Abba, urging authorities to establish the rightful ownership of the disputed properties and determine how the transactions were carried out.

Abba community is located in the Njikoka Local Government Area of Anambra State.

The group, in a statement, said the call was not intended to provoke violence or damage anyone’s property but to seek clarification over what it described as serious questions surrounding the alleged takeover and sale of lands belonging to different kindreds, families and individuals.

The protesting youths said they were seeking answers to questions including who allegedly sold the lands, who bought them, who authorised the transactions, where the relevant documents were and who the rightful owners of the affected properties were.

“These are legitimate questions that deserve clear and transparent answers,” the group said.

It said several individuals had been mentioned in connection with the allegations but stressed that it was not declaring anyone guilty.

“We believe that the appropriate authorities should investigate the allegations, examine the relevant documents and establish the truth,” the group said.

The youths also expressed concern over alleged threats against people who intended to participate in a proposed peaceful fact-finding exercise.

They questioned why anyone should be threatened for seeking clarification about the ownership and sale of community land.

“If the allegations are false, let the truth be established. If the lands were legitimately sold, let the documents be produced and examined. If anybody unlawfully took over or sold another person’s property, let the law deal with the matter,” the group said.

“We are asking for facts, not violence. We are asking for investigation, not confrontation. We are asking for justice, not revenge.”

The group also raised concerns over the unresolved disappearance of an Amabor man, Amaechi Anakwue, popularly known as Mmonwu Igala, who it said was reportedly kidnapped in 2022.

According to the youths, two of Anakwue’s buildings were allegedly damaged shortly after his disappearance, leaving his family and children homeless.

The group further alleged that some of his properties were subsequently found in the house or possession of another person from Amabor Village.

It stressed that the allegations surrounding Anakwue’s disappearance and the subsequent claims over his property remained unresolved and should be investigated by the appropriate authorities.

“What happened to Mmonwu Igala? Where is he? What happened to his property? Who took possession of any part of his compound or land?” the group asked.

The Concerned Abba Youths called for an independent investigation to establish the ownership of the disputed lands, identify those who allegedly sold and purchased them and examine the documents used in the transactions.

They also urged authorities to determine whether communal or privately owned lands were unlawfully taken over, whether threats were made against participants in the proposed fact-finding exercise and whether any criminal offences were committed in connection with the disputed properties.

The group appealed for calm among residents, insisting that the proposed exercise would be peaceful.

The youths urged all parties to resolve land disputes through dialogue and lawful investigation, saying evidence should be presented and anyone found culpable after due process should face the law.

“Our message is simple: Abba land is not for sale without the consent and knowledge of the rightful owners,” the group said.

“We want transparency. We want justice. We want peace. And above all, we want the truth about Abba land.”

The group said it would continue to pursue the matter peacefully and responsibly in what it described as an effort to protect the unity and future of the Abba community.