The Rule of Law and Accountability Advocacy Centre (RULAAC) has called on Enugu State Governor, Peter Mbah, and the Inspector-General of Police (IGP) to urgently intervene in the protracted land dispute involving Private Estate International (West Africa) Limited (PEIWA) and the Amechi Uwani and Obeagu Awkunanaw communities in Enugu South Local Government Area to prevent further violence.
In separate petitions addressed to the governor and the IGP on Monday, RULAAC expressed concern over rising tensions linked to the dispute, particularly a proposed mandatory registration through the privately managed Venco App as a condition for accessing the M-Trans Access Point (Centenary Gate), which connects the Amechi and Obeagu communities.
The organisation argued that while private estate managers may implement reasonable security measures within their estates, they lack the legal authority to restrict access to what serves as a public road or compel members of the public to register on a privately managed digital platform before exercising their constitutional right to freedom of movement.
RULAAC also raised concerns over allegations of violence associated with the dispute, citing the December 2021 killing of Inspector Celestine Oriodovwe of the Force Criminal Investigation Department (FCID), Enugu Annex, who was reportedly investigating petitions related to the disputed land.
The group further referenced the October 2025 killing of Onyedika Chukwu Ede during a violent confrontation, and other reported homicide cases allegedly linked to the long-running dispute.
According to RULAAC, affected communities claim investigations into the killings have been concluded and suspects identified, but no prosecutions have commenced.
“The continued delay in prosecuting serious homicide cases not only denies justice to victims and their families but also undermines public confidence in the criminal justice system,” the organisation said.
RULAAC stressed that murder allegations should not be overshadowed by civil disputes over land ownership and urged law enforcement authorities to pursue criminal accountability without fear or favour.
The advocacy group also called on the Inspector-General of Police to review allegations of abuse of police investigative processes, including claims of forum shopping and undue influence in investigations related to the disputed land.
It urged Governor Mbah to order an immediate investigation into the legal status of the M-Trans Access Point, suspend any attempt by private interests to restrict public access pending the outcome of the inquiry, and convene all relevant stakeholders for dialogue aimed at resolving the dispute peacefully.
According to the organisation, unresolved land litigation, allegations of multiple killings, delayed prosecutions, and the proposed access restrictions have combined to heighten tensions within the affected communities.
“The warning signs are clear. Government must act now to prevent further violence. Justice for victims, respect for the rule of law, protection of constitutional rights, and peaceful resolution of disputes are essential to preventing another tragic loss of life,” RULAAC stated.
The organisation reaffirmed its commitment to promoting peaceful conflict resolution, accountability, and respect for the Constitution, while urging all parties involved to refrain from violence and allow lawful institutions to resolve the dispute. #Securitynewsalert.com
