Picture: L-R: Chief Eziuche Linus, Sir Ifeanyi Ejiofor and Governor Peter Mbah
By Titus Eleweke
Residents of Ukpata community in Uzo-Uwani Local Government Area of Enugu State are reportedly living in fear over allegations of armed occupation of ancestral farmlands, threats and sexual violence against women, prompting human rights lawyer Sir Ifeanyi Ejiofor to call on Governor Peter Mbah to intervene urgently.
The concerns were raised by Chief Eziuche Linus, the Onowu of Ukpata, in an audio message describing the community’s alleged security challenges and fears of losing ancestral lands to armed individuals reportedly operating from surrounding forests.
Reacting to the allegations, Ejiofor, lead counsel to the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), urged the Enugu State Government and security agencies to investigate the claims, protect residents and restore safe access to farmlands where unlawful occupation is established.
In his statement titled “Wednesday Musings: A Desecrated Homeland, a Terrified People: Governor Peter Mbah, the Time to Reclaim Ukpata Is Now,” the lawyer described the reported situation as a serious concern for the safety, livelihoods and fundamental rights of the affected residents.
He identified the alleged sexual violence against women working on their farmlands and threats against residents as particularly disturbing, stressing that such claims, if confirmed, would require decisive action by the authorities.
“No woman should have to fear sexual violence while working on her family’s farmland, and no community should be forced to abandon its ancestral inheritance because of threats from armed groups,” Ejiofor said.
He noted that Ukpata’s dependence on agriculture meant that restricted access to farmlands could threaten household incomes, food security and the community’s economic survival.
The lawyer called on Governor Mbah to strengthen security around the affected community, investigate the allegations, identify those responsible for any criminal acts and ensure that residents could safely return to their farms.
He also urged security agencies to work with credible community leaders, protect potential witnesses and investigate allegations of sexual offences professionally, with due regard for victims’ privacy and dignity.
Ejiofor called on Ohanaeze Ndigbo, Igbo youth organisations and other stakeholders to support peaceful and lawful efforts to protect the community, while insisting that the primary responsibility for security remained with the government and relevant agencies.
He further urged the state government to establish the extent of the alleged occupation, determine whether residents had been displaced and take appropriate legal measures where unlawful occupation was confirmed.
The lawyer cautioned against allowing the reported situation to deteriorate into a wider security and humanitarian crisis, insisting that residents deserved concrete action rather than assurances.
He also stressed that efforts to address the allegations should be based on verified information and the rule of law, without collectively blaming any ethnic group for the alleged actions of individuals.
Ejiofor urged Governor Mbah to act promptly to protect lives, secure farmlands and ensure that the people of Ukpata could pursue their livelihoods without fear.
Tags: Ukpata, Enugu State, Ifeanyi Ejiofor, Peter Mbah, Uzo-Uwani
