By Tina Amanda
Residents and landlords of Unity Estate, Eneka, are calling for urgent government intervention following the alleged unlawful demolition of houses and properties by suspected land grabbers.
According to eyewitnesses, heavily armed thugs accompanied by bulldozers stormed the estate in the early hours of Wednesday, February 19, 2025.
The group reportedly demolished homes, tore down fences, and physically assaulted landlords, claiming to be enforcing a court judgment in favor of the Rumunduru community against the Eneka community.
However, affected homeowners insist that no court judgment was ever served before the violent eviction. Many of them, who have lived in the area for over two decades, were left homeless overnight.
Disturbingly, reports indicate that residents were prevented from recording videos of the incident, raising questions about the legality of the operation. Additionally, landlords and tenants were allegedly forced to pay ₦300,000 each as “registration money” in cash, with bank transfers prohibited—suggesting possible extortion.
With further demolitions reportedly planned for today, February 20, the residents are appealing to Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, and the Chairman of Obio/Akpor Local Government Area, Chijioke Ihunwo, to intervene and halt the destruction.
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They are also calling on human rights organizations, the media, and well-meaning Nigerians to expose what they describe as an act of oppression.
“We demand justice for those whose homes have been destroyed and whose lands have been forcefully taken without due process,” the landlords stated in a release.
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