Abia Government Clears Houses Built on Disputed Lands

The Abia State government has embarked on a fresh round of demolitions at Government College Umuahia, pulling down residential structures it says were illegally erected on school land.

The exercise, carried out on Friday by the Umuahia Capital Development Authority (UCDA), marked the second phase of the operation aimed at reclaiming encroached areas of the historic institution.

Overseeing the demolition, UCDA General Manager, Mr. Kingsley Agomoh, explained that residents had been duly warned that the land belonged to the college and was not open for private development. He stressed that the government has now taken full possession of the property and would continue the clearance until all encroachments are removed.

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Agomoh urged prospective land buyers to always verify property details with relevant government agencies such as UCDA and the Ministry of Lands before committing funds, warning that similar actions will be taken against illegal developments on school lands across the state.

He further revealed that plans are underway to properly fence Government College Umuahia to prevent further trespassing, while completed structures on the reclaimed land would be forfeited to the school.

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Describing the buildings as unauthorized, the UCDA boss expressed disappointment that some developers defied repeated government warnings and pressed ahead with construction.

Meanwhile, several property owners could only watch in dismay as bulldozers pulled down their houses during the exercise.