Women from Uvwie Local Government Area of Delta State, yesterday disrupted movement at the busy Effurun roundabout area of the East-West Road as they were protesting the alleged dispossession and illegal sales of the land of Ohorhe communities by soldiers.
The protesters converged on the road at about 6.30 am chanting war songs, bearing placards with various inscriptions.
According to the woman leader of Uvwie Kingdom, Mrs. Sarah Agoda, they were protesting against the alleged attempt by We soldiers to demolish Ohorhe community. She added that the soldiers were selling their lands to foreigners and asking the natives to move out.
Chief Jimoh Eshenake, a native of Ohorhe community said the army came to the community about a week ago and marked all the houses for demolition, giving the people 48 hours to move out.
The President General of Uvwie Kingdom, Chief MacDonald Ugbewanku, said the people decided to embark on the protest to ask for justice.
Addressing the women at his palace later, the Ovie of Uvwie Kingdom, Emmanuel Sideso Abe 1, said the community gave out land to the Ministry of Defence for the purpose of establishing Nigeria Defence Academy (NDA) but it has been observed that the land is now being used for commercial purpose, and is being sold to companies.
One of the protesters, Mrs. Mary Unuagba called on President Jonathan to come to their aid and withdraw the soldiers from their land as the soldiers were no longer welcome in their community.
Efforts to reach the Commanding Officer of the 3 Battalion, Effurun, Lt. Col. Ifeanyi Otu. proved abortive as he told newsmen on phone that he would not entertain questions on the matter.
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