Barely two months after residents of Oyigbo, Rivers State suffered harassment, killings from military operations, the residents have again, raised alarm over planned illegal demolition of their properties by indigenous youths of the community.
The Guardian gathered that Umueye Community youths in Oyigbo had sent a circular to property owners to vacate their buildings in preparation for demolition for a proposed road construction by the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC).
Elder Daniel Ogbuji, the Chairman of Umueye Community, Oyigbo; Nwankwo Chidiebere, Secretary and Micheal Azuh, a youth leader, signed the circular obtained by The Guardian.
Some residents said the group claimed they have the state Governor, Nyesom Wike’s backing.
The association said the demolition was to give way for a road construction to be carried out by the Rivers State Government in collaboration with the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC).
Our correspondent learnt that some of the residents, who were ignorant of the land use act, have started removing their structures out of panic.
Some of the residents who spoke with our correspondent confirmed that they received circulars from the group, directing them to remove their structures.
A resident of High Tension area, Policarp Jonna, said he was served notice to remove his building for a proposed road project.
By Egufe Yafugborhi, Port-Harcourt
A public notice by leaders of Umueye community in volatile Oyigbo Local Government Area, Rivers State, to destroy perceived obstructing structures to clear space for a road project has thrown residents into panic.
Some fear stricken landlords among property owners served the notice were already dismantling erected structures to salvage as much components for relocation of such structure rather that wait for reckless destruction of same by the community leaders.
The said community circular brewing commotion was signed by Elder Daniel Ogbuji, Chairman, Umueye Community, Nwankwo Chidiebere, Secretary, and Micheal Azuh, Youth Leader.
ALSO READ:
The document titled to “Whom It May Concern” read, “This is to inform you that your structure/building and sign boards are marked within the road map of the aforementioned name above.