Land Grabbing: Anambra Govt Wades into Communal Crisis at Ifitedunu, Sets Caretaker C’ttee

By Praise Chinecherem

Anambra state government has constituted a caretaker committee over illegal sale of communal lands in Akwa Village in Ifitedunu community in Dunukofia local government area of the state.

The approval for the establishment of the committee was occasioned by recent petition on illegal sale of communal lands by former executive committee of Akwa Village Development Association led by Azodo Arinze.

The committee also followed subsequent court order retraining first and second defendant, their agents, privies, servants or howsoever constituted from parading themselves as executive committee of Akwa Development Association pending hearing and determination of the substantive suit.

Inaugurating the 10-man committee on Monday, Commissioner for Local Government, Chieftaincy and Community Affairs, Hon Tonycollins Nwabunwanne said the committee was to run the association’s affairs and prepare necessary grounds for conduct of election in December 31, 2025.

Nwabunwanne, represented by Public Relations Officer in the Ministry, Henry Nwasike said the committee which would hold forth pending further adjudication by the courts, was also constituted to avoid any vacuum in the leadership of the association.

He listed the committee’s terms of reference to include reconciling different factions and sustaining spirit of oneness in the village, doing everything possible to maintain status quo as well as stopping any further transfer, acquisition or sale of any part of Akwa farm land.

Responding, Chairman of the committee, Chief Paulinus Maduakonam commended the government for wading into the community’s crisis through the establishment of the committee.

He also appreciated the government for selecting them for the task, pledging that his members would not betray the confidence reposed in them.