AWKA/Nigeria: Tension has escalated in the Ngene-Okwuazu area of Umueri, Anambra State, following a land dispute between two prominent indigenes, with both parties petitioning the police after mediation efforts collapsed.
The dispute is between Okwuji Ndive and Sam Emeka, a brother to the traditional ruler, Bennett Emeka. Efforts by the Umueri Council of Elders to resolve the matter reportedly failed, prompting formal petitions to the police.
In a petition to the Divisional Police Officer of Otuocha Police Station, Ndive accused Emeka of intimidation, destruction of property and attempts to forcibly take over his land. He alleged that Emeka destroyed building materials stored on the land despite directives from the Council of Elders ordering him to desist.
Ndive claimed he was the first settler in Ngene-Okwuazu, having built and moved into a residence there in 1985, adding that the waterfront was popularly known as “Okwuji’s Beach” in recognition of his early settlement. He further alleged that Emeka and others brought heavy equipment on November 9, 2025, to scatter sand dumped on the land in a bid to access his fence.
He also accused Emeka of conspiring with officials of the Physical Planning Unit to mark his fence for demolition, claiming several building materials were stolen in the process. Ndive said he spent about ₦200,000, with assistance from the traditional ruler, to repair part of the damaged fence and urged the police to investigate and enforce the law.
Emeka, however, denied the allegations, accusing Ndive of fueling tension in the area. He said the disputed land includes an access road meant to serve residents and provide passage to the riverfront.
He narrated that disputes over leadership and road access arose during his tenure as vice-chairman and later chairman of his age grade, leading to the demolition of his gate and shops and the imposition of fines. According to him, a panel set up by the traditional ruler ruled that the access road should remain, while advising him to forgo claims over his demolished property.
Emeka said land and survey officials identified structures obstructing the road and that he contributed ₦500,000 towards making the road motorable. He denied demolishing Ndive’s fence, claiming a section collapsed during road construction and that he agreed to assist with repairs. He added that Ndive opposed his building on the land despite his status as an Umueri indigene.
Police authorities at Otuocha were yet to comment on the matter as at the time of filing this report.
