Youths block development of Nkwogwu market square for alleged failure to follow due process

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By Silvernews

Youths from Nguruwenkwo Autonomous Community have stopped the development of Nkwogwu Market Square, claiming that the developer did not follow due process and did not consult with the rightful owners of the land before starting the project.

The youths who yesterday prevented the builder and some members of the state watchdog group from erecting a signboard in the market square, said their action was a continuation of their protest against the way the project was initiated.

The years-long disagreement resurfaced last month when the developer arrived for the foundation-laying ceremony of the proposed shopping complex. Young people protested against the event, demanding clarification on how their ancestral land was acquired without proper consultation with the community.

Following the development, the community, in collaboration with the Chinedu Obiaguwa Foundation, visited the Chairman of Aboh Mbaise Local Government Area, Barrister Iheukemere Alaribe, at his office in Aboh Mbaise to formally present their concerns and request that the opportunity to develop the project be given through proper engagement with the landowners.

After the meeting, many believed the matter had been resolved, but tension returned when residents woke up to the presence of security personnel who had come to erect the builder’s sign at the market.

Speaking on behalf of the youths, Ogwu youth leader, Festus Njoku, said the community is not against the development of the market but insisted that the process must involve the rightful owners of the land.

We are not against development. We just want the right process to be followed and the people who own the land to be involved in the project,” Njoku said.

Also speaking were a representative of the Chinedu Obiaguwa Foundation, the Hon. Titus Nwachukwu, appealed to the youths to maintain a peaceful approach, assuring that the foundation is working to find an amicable solution to the dispute.

Speaking in the debate through a telephone conversation, the founder of the foundation and former footballer, Engineer Chinedu Obiaguwa, urged the youth to remain steadfast in their demand for justice by avoiding any action that could lead to violence.

Obiaguwa said the land had existed as an ancestral property of the community for generations without dispute, until the current development issue emerged. He called for transparency on the deal that transferred control of the territory, stressing that the community deserves to understand the details of the deal.

He also appealed to the developer to consider recovering its investment through dialogue rather than confrontation, stressing that a peaceful solution would avoid unnecessary tension and protect lives.

Community leaders and stakeholders are expected to continue discussions in the coming days as efforts to resolve the issue intensify.