Imo Residents Protest Alleged Church Takeover of Polytechnic Land, Demand Government Intervention
Residents of Umuire community in Orlu Local Government Area, Imo State, have staged a protest against the alleged plan by the administration of Governor Hope Uzodimma to transfer their ancestral land to the Catholic Diocese of Orlu without their consent or compensation.
The disputed land was previously home to the Imo State Polytechnic, Orlu Campus, before the institution was relocated to Omuma in Oru East Local Government Area. With the land no longer serving its original educational purpose, the community is now demanding its return.
In a letter addressed to the Imo State government, the Umuire Progressive Union expressed concerns that the land was initially taken in the public interest without proper consultation or compensation. They argue that since it is no longer being used for its intended purpose, ownership should revert to the community.
The residents further stated that their ancestors never sold the land to the Catholic Church and, as such, the church has no legal claim to it. They described the alleged handover as unlawful and called on the government to intervene and restore their ownership rights.
This protest highlights ongoing tensions over land ownership and allocation in Imo State. Recently, similar disputes have emerged, including a protest by the Umumba community in Ngor Okpala Local Government Area against alleged land grabbing by businessman Stanley Morocco, who reportedly claimed to be acting on behalf of the state government.
As the controversy unfolds, residents await a response from the government regarding their demands.
