The traditional ruler of Okahia Autonomous Community in Obingwa council Area of Abia State, Eze Okey Ananaba, has raised the alarm over what he described as the security threats posed by the massive land acquisition by suspected herdsmen in some communities.
He stated that the destruction of farm crops and possession of illegal arms like AK-47 rifles by the herders have aggravated tension in the rural communities as the herdsmen threaten to kill the vigilantes and farmers who challenge them.
Ananaba, who raised the alarm during a sensitisation visit/town hall meeting by the officials of the Greater Aba Development Authority, (GADA), in his community, expressed concern that suspected herdmen have acquired over 5,000 plots of land in strategic border communities such as Mgboko Umuanunu, near the boundary with Akwa Ibom State and Akpaa Mbato community behind the National Institute for Nigerian Languages (NINLAN), Ovom, Aba
He said: “We are concerned that suspected herders have already acquired over 5,000 plots of land in strategic border communities such as Mgboko Umuanunu, near the border with Akwa Ibom state and Akpaa Mbato community behind the National Institute for Nigerian Languages, NINLAN, Ovom, Aba.
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“There are other massive land acquisitions in other communities in Obingwa Local Government Area and environs.
“These land acquisitions pose serious security threats and could be used as operational bases for violent attacks on local residents.
“We don’t know the reason behind the acquisition of these massive land areas in most communities in Obingwa Local Government Area.’’
The monarch added that monarchs in the area have petitioned the state government over the matter, but lamented that nothing had been done.