Imo Women Protest Alleged Land Grabs, Demand Government Intervention

By Our Correspondent

Hundreds of women from various communities across Imo State staged a peaceful protest yesterday, urging the state government to protect their ancestral lands from what they described as illegal encroachments by private developers and allegedly complicit officials.

The protesters, dressed in traditional black attire as a symbol of solidarity, marched from their communities to the state capital, Owerri. They carried placards with messages such as Our Land, Our Heritage, Stop Land Grabbing, and Protect Our Rights. Chanting slogans and singing songs, the women demanded immediate government intervention to halt ongoing land seizures.

Several farmlands and family plots have reportedly been taken over without proper consultation or compensation. According to community leaders, these lands have been in families for generations and are vital for their livelihoods and heritage. Many of the women said repeated petitions to local authorities had gone unanswered, prompting them to take their grievances directly to the state government.

The women also raised concerns about the presence of armed personnel in their communities, alleging harassment and intimidation. Some claimed that community youths who tried to resist the land takeovers were arrested or threatened, heightening fears among residents.

A representative of the Imo State Ministry of Lands assured the women that their concerns would be investigated. The government does not condone illegal land acquisition, and a delegation will visit the affected communities to verify the claims. All documented evidence will be thoroughly reviewed.

Despite these assurances, the women vowed to continue their demonstrations until they are satisfied that their lands are secure and protected from further encroachment. Many emphasized that their land represents more than property; it is a core part of their identity and survival.

The protest highlights broader concerns in Imo State over land ownership, community rights, and the protection of ancestral heritage amid rapid urban development.