Mrs Margret
Onwuelo, 104, of Umuenem Otolo Nnewi community, Anambra State, has been
left homeless following a land dispute crisis in the community.
The
community was said to have been plunged into crisis after invasion of some hoodlums.
The
hoodlums, who unleashed mayhem on residents, also demolished buildings,
including a bungalow belonging to Onwuelo.
According to
an eyewitness account, the demolition followed a protracted land tussle
involving family members over a parcel of land.
The
eyewitness, who did not want his name mentioned, alleged that the old
woman’s building was demolished by suspected hoodlums.
The hoodlums
were further alleged to have invaded the community with bulldozer. The hoodlums
were alleged to have been hired by those interested in taking over the land, which
included the old woman’s house.
The hoodlums
arrived in batches at about 9am and waited until someone came to point places
to demolish. They descended on every available structure in the area.
Onwuelo, narrating
her ordeal, said: “I have been under pressure from some highly placed people
close to my family members to give up the land, but I refused. I refused
because the land belonged to me. My husband, Chief Edward Onwuelo and I
acquired the land in 1953 with 50 pounds. Trouble started when people became
desperate to take over the land following the death of my eldest son. These
land grabbers want me to die so that they can take over my land, but I thank
God I escaped them. But I lost everything; my property and medicine. Right now,
I’m surviving through the help of neighbours and relations. I’m begging
Governor Willie Obiano, well-meaning, philanthropists and Churches to come to help
me.”
The Anambra
State Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), a Superintendent of Police (SP),
Haruna Mohammed, said the Command was not yet aware of the incident. He advised
the woman to lodge a formal complaint to the police for further investigation.
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