The Abia State Government has began demolition of unauthorized structures on Government College, Umuahia’s land. The action targets buildings erected by illegal occupants with the aim of restoring the property to its proper use.
During the demolition exercise, Kingsley Agomoh, the General Manager of the Umuahia Capital Development Authority (UCDA), emphasized that the operation serves as a stern warning to individuals who habitually encroach on government land. Agomoh highlighted that such actions will not be tolerated, and the operation is a clear message to deter unauthorized occupation of government property.
“By taking these measures, the government aims to protect and reclaim its assets, ensuring they are used for their intended purposes and maintaining the integrity of public land.”
Agomoh explained that the Abia State government had officially transferred ownership of Government College Umuahia to the institution’s Old Boys Association, complete with a certificate of occupancy. He expressed confusion as to why some individuals still attempt to sell this government land. Agomoh stressed the importance of thoroughly verifying land ownership and documentation before purchasing any plots. He urged potential buyers to conduct proper inquiries to avoid falling victim to fraudulent land transactions and to ensure they are acquiring land from legitimate sources.
He further clarified that the occupants of the encroached land had been properly served notice prior to the demolition. Agomoh emphasized that all structures standing on these encroached areas are now officially the property of Government College Umuahia. He reassured that due process was followed, and the occupants had been given adequate time to vacate before the demolition began.
Eze Justice Chinonyerem Uwaka, the Second National Vice President of the Government College Umuahia Old Boys Association, recounted that the encroached areas within the school grounds were once part of the college’s farmland. He detailed that previous attempts had been made to remove the illegal occupants, who insisted that the land had been sold to them by individuals from Umuana.
Uwaka underscored that the state government had formally transferred ownership of the school to the Old Boys Association for the purpose of educational development, accompanied by a Certificate of Occupancy. This official handover was intended to ensure the proper use and preservation of the property. He emphasized that the recent demolition serves as a strong warning to others who might consider encroaching on government or institutional land. By taking decisive action, the Old Boys Association aims to protect the land and uphold its intended educational purpose, signalling that unauthorized occupation and illegal sales of such property will not be tolerated.
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Friday Ohaeri, Chairman of Umuana Ndume Ibeku, clarified that the encroached land rightfully belongs to Government College Umuahia, having been voluntarily donated to the government by their ancestors. He emphasized that those who have encroached on the land did so out of selfish motives, rather than representing the interests of the Umuana Community. Ohaeri stressed that these actions do not reflect the community's values or intentions regarding the land.
