Engr. Barrah Chiedozie, Leader of Umuwaoma Youth and prominent businessman, has expressed strong displeasure over the alleged destruction of farmlands and ancient boundary landmarks at Nbaraajah, Umuosu Nsulu in Isiala Ngwa North Local Government Area of Abia State by Estate Developers.
Speaking to newsmen at his country home in Umuwaoma Umuosu, Chiedozie accused an unidentified estate developer of maliciously damaging crops and economic trees using heavy equipment — including a CAT D6 bulldozer — without consulting the rightful landowners.
He claimed that the developer, acting without proper due diligence, demolished cassava farms, melon beds, palm trees, and other valuable crops worth millions of naira. “This is a gross violation of ancestral heritage and economic livelihoods,” Chiedozie stated.
The youth Leader emphasized that the land in question — known as Nbaraajah — is not communal land but individually owned by members of three kindred families: Umuwaoma, Umuikaa, and Umuokoromiri. He traced his ownership of land in the area to inheritance from his grandfather, the late Pa Frederick Barrah, a principal landholder in Nbaraajah.
Chiedozie warned that no developer has the right to encroach upon or destroy ancient boundaries without engaging the legitimate landowners. “Let it be known that no one owns hectares of land at Nbaraajah in isolation. Any developer acting otherwise is inviting conflict,” he cautioned.
He further urged estate developers to conduct proper consultations and avoid trespassing on what he described as “ancestral lands of historical and economic value.”
The incident has sparked tension in the community, with calls for intervention from local authorities to prevent further escalation.
