The Mgbom Na Achara Autonomous Community in Ohaozara Local Government Area, Ebonyi State, has expressed support for the redevelopment of Nkwo Echara Market into a modern international daily market. However, community leaders insist that landowners and affected families must receive fair compensation before construction begins.
In a letter to the Executive Chairman of Ohaozara LGA, representatives—including President General Philip Eze, Town Union Chairman Chief Aja Nwanto, Secretary-General Udechukwu Obaji, Women Leader Chinwendu Chukwunyere, Youth President Anayochukwu Wilson, and Okposi Achara Chairman Barnabas Nwogbuba—acknowledged the project’s potential economic benefits. They stressed, however, that historical land injustices must be addressed to ensure fairness.
Community’s Key Demands Before Reconstruction
To facilitate a smooth and just redevelopment, the community has outlined several requests:
- A formal agreement (MoU) outlining the rights of both the government and the community.
- Clarification of land boundaries with an official survey plan to prevent disputes.
- Approval for families to rebuild ancestral homes in line with development guidelines.
- Relocation of traditional shrines within the market area, with necessary funding for rituals.
Disputed Market Expansion
The letter also highlighted concerns over unauthorized land grabs linked to a former Supervisory Councillor for Works. According to the community, the official allegedly extended market boundaries without consent, acquiring land for private businesses, including a hotel and filling station.
Despite these grievances, Mgbom Na Achara leaders reaffirmed their support for the Nkwo Echara Market transformation, emphasizing that equity and transparency must guide the project. They urged the government to engage in open dialogue and address their concerns to foster peaceful and inclusive development.
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