The Abia State government on Saturday commenced the demolition of illegal structures erected on the premises of Government College, Umuahia.
The exercise, carried out by the Umuahia Capital Development Authority (UCDA), was a response to the unauthorized occupation of government property.
UCDA General Manager Kingsley Agomoh emphasized that the action serves as a deterrent to future land encroachment.
Agomoh explained that the government had granted a Certificate of Occupancy for the entire Government College land to the school’s Old Boys’ Association. He warned individuals against buying land without proper verification.
He further explained that the occupants of the encroached land were duly served notices, before the demolition.
“Structures standing on the encroached areas now belong to the Government College, Umuahia,” he said.
Eze Justice Chinonyerem Uwaka, Second National Vice President of the Government College Old Boys’ Association, confirmed that the demolished structures were on land previously used as the school’s farm.
He noted that despite previous eviction notices, the occupants had claimed ownership based on a purported sale by the Umuana community.
Uwaka maintained that the state government handed over the school to the Old Boys of Government College for educational development with the Certificate of Occupancy, pointing out that the exercise will serve as a warning to others.
The Chairman of Umuana Ndume Ibeku, Friday Ohaeri, clarified during the demolition process that the encroached land is owned by Government College Umuahia, and that the community had willingly donated the land to the government for the establishment of the college. He condemned the actions of individuals who encroached on the land for personal gain.
Abia Govt Demolishes Illegal Structures On Government College Land is first published on The Whistler Newspaper