The Urum community in Awka North Local Government Area, Anambra State, has voiced concerns over land grabbers misleading unsuspecting buyers with illegal sales.
Speaking to journalists on Sunday, the President-General of Urum Development Union, Hon. Sir Felix Godwin, alongside other community leaders, condemned the growing land racketeering under the guise of estate development.
Community Sets Up Land Committee to Prevent Fraud
To combat fraudulent sales, the community has established a Land Committee to verify land ownership and ensure only legitimate transactions occur. Sir Godwin warned against wealthy individuals attempting to use their influence to claim communal lands illegally.
Developer Accused of Illegal Land Sale
The leaders accused a certain developer, known as Nwaguatahihia, of encroaching on Urum’s Ochiokwa Layout and advertising land for sale under the name ‘Nwaguatahihia Heaven Estate.’
“He apologized and withdrew from the land on January 17, 2025, but is now selling the same land on social media,” Godwin stated.
Public Disclaimer: Buyers Beware
The community declared that anyone purchasing land from the said developer does so at their own risk, as the Ochiokwa land remains reserved for farming and is not for sale.
“We urge prospective buyers to follow due process through the community’s land committee to avoid falling victim to fraud,” said Bro. Aron Okafor, Chairman of the Urum Land Committee.
Final Warning to Fraudulent Developers
The Vice Chairman of the committee, Nze Jude Ndibe, reaffirmed that Urum will not tolerate further encroachment, warning Nwaguatahihia and other land speculators to stay away from the land.
Residents are now calling on the Anambra State Government to take action against fraudulent developers and protect community lands from illegal acquisition.
