Protests in Anambra Over Destruction of Property, Death of Hotel Owner

In Ifite-Nteje, Oyi Local Government Area of Anambra State, tensions have escalated following the tragic death of Malachy Chukwu, a hotel owner, who reportedly took his own life after his hotel was demolished by suspected youths claiming to be members of the Ifite-Nteje Development Union.

Hundreds of members from the Divine Heaven Amalgamated Landlords Association protested, carrying placards with various inscriptions. They alleged that multiple buildings, including a hotel valued at billions of naira, were destroyed on Chinua Achebe Airport Road by individuals posing as union executives.

Chief Patrick Maduegbuna, Chairman of the association, urged Governor Chukwuma Soludo to intervene and prevent further unrest. He stated that the land transaction took place in 2019, and after payment, development began. Suddenly, their properties were demolished, with claims that the land deal had been revoked. Maduegbuna added that they were asked to repurchase the land, and they chose to protest peacefully instead of resorting to violence, seeking the return of their property.

The association’s secretary, Mr. Nwako Maduka, emphasized that the landlords had fulfilled all required payments and possessed valid documents signed by the same individuals now attempting to revoke their ownership. Chief Ikechukwu Erikeife, Chairman of the Ifite-Nteje Land Management Committee, explained that some young men who had previously sold their plots were trying to resell the land, fueling the conflict. He promised to address the situation, emphasizing that land grabbing for profit was at the heart of the chaos.

Mr. Ngoesina Okechukwu, Secretary of the land management committee and a lawyer, dismissed the claims of the purported union members as baseless. He stated that the estate developers followed due process in acquiring the land and that the Ifite-Nteje Land Management Committee is legally recognized and authorized to handle these transactions.

The land in question, located along a strategic area near the airport road, has seen significant investment from about 70 associations. Many structures were at various stages of completion when they were destroyed, causing substantial financial loss and community outrage.