(DDM) – Residents of Omogho community in Orumba North Local Government Area of Anambra State have appealed to Governor Chukwuma Soludo to halt the destruction of farmlands, economic trees, and multimillion-naira properties.
The plea comes amid the state government’s proposed aerotropolis project, which includes a second airport and industrial park.
Villagers from Iwolo and Umunaba claim contractors, reportedly led by officials from the State Ministry of Works, began clearing over 4,000 hectares of farmland without prior notice.
Community leaders say the project is encroaching on their lands and destroying agricultural produce, leaving them at risk of hunger and homelessness.
The affected lands have been subject to a pending lawsuit since 2016 at Ekwulobia High Court, case number AG/48/216, involving the villagers against a company and listing Anambra State government as the fifth defendant.
The Chairman of Iwolo village, Mr. Somadina Umeh, told journalists that contractors arrived with about 22 tractors on January 8 and 9, 2026, demolishing rice fields, cassava plots, yam chains, and other assets worth millions of naira.
He said villagers demanded a meeting with contractors to clarify project boundaries and ownership, but officials refused to discuss matters on camera.
The chairman warned that continued encroachment could destroy homes and livelihoods, leaving many residents homeless.
Widow Mrs. Eucharia Umeh estimated that her losses, including rice, cassava, yam, and economic trees, amounted to roughly N15 million.
She recounted the devastation: “I slumped when I heard my crops were destroyed. My household is devastated, and I would have harvested everything if I had been notified. Soludo, please help us. We are not against development; we only want proper compensation.”
Another resident, Mr. Nonso Uchedike, reported losses of over N10 million in agricultural produce and urged government intervention to prevent further encroachment.
The traditional ruler of Omogho, HRM Igwe Raphael Offor, confirmed that the project is located in his domain and said the governor had informed the community about the airport plans.
He added that compensation plans are underway once contractors establish official boundaries for the project.
However, the Anambra State Commissioner for Works, Engr. Ifeanyi Okoma, denied knowledge of any encroachment, destruction of farmlands, or active development of the airport at Umunaba and Iwolo.
Similarly, the State Commissioner for Information, Dr. Law Mefor, stated that the project had not been awarded and he was unaware of any work commencing on the site.
Residents continue to call for immediate government intervention to prevent further economic losses and social distress.
They insist that while they support development, any project must respect land ownership, include proper notification, and provide fair compensation for affected individuals.
The dispute highlights tensions between state-led infrastructure projects and local community rights, raising concerns about governance, transparency, and social justice in Anambra State.
