Tension has erupted in the Obinolu Chukwu community in Umunneochi Local Government Area of Abia State following plans to establish a cassava processing plant on a disputed parcel of land, despite an existing court order restraining any activity on the site.
Some of the Abia community residents raised concerns over the proposed project, urging all parties involved in the case to comply with the ruling delivered by Justice Chido Nwakamma regarding the community land dispute.
They alleged that the Chairman of Umunneochi LGA, Sunday Afurobi, recently met with the traditional ruler of Obinolu Autonomous Community, Eze L.O. Uche, where discussions were held on citing the cassava processing facility on the contested land.
A concerned indigene, Mr. Sopuruchukwu Gold, cited an order from the Abia State High Court, Umunneochi Division sitting in Nkwoagu Isuochi, in Suit No. HUM/11/2025, which he said restrained the defendants from surveying or partitioning the land pending the determination of the case.
He warned that disregarding the restraining order issued on April 30, 2025, could destabilize peace in the community.
Gold called on the Umunneochi LGA chairman and other stakeholders involved in the proposed deal to suspend all actions until the court reaches a final decision, while also urging reconciliation efforts to be respected.
The community also appealed to Abia State Governor, Alex Otti, and security agencies to intervene urgently to prevent a breakdown of law and order.
In response, the Umunneochi LGA Chairman, Sunday Afurobi, said he is not from the Obinolu Chukwu community and was unaware that the land was under dispute. He explained that his intention in proposing the project on the four plots of land was to promote job creation and economic development.
He further stated that consultations had been made with traditional leaders, who allegedly identified a piece of land, adding that if a valid court injunction exists, he was not aware of it.
Afurobi noted that the traditional leaders had pledged to seek clarification from the court regarding permission for the project, and warned that the project would be relocated to another community if Obinolu Chukwu rejects the proposal.
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