By PAMELA EBOH, Awka

No fewer than 150 uncompleted buildings in Oba, ldemili South Local Government Area of Anambra State belonging to members of the Uzodimma Estate Landlords Association were allegedly pulled down by irate youths.

It was gathered that the destruction was caused by a land dispute.

President General of the Udodimma Landlords Association, Mr Frederick Chukwu, who addressed journalists said the land in contention was bought from the original owners by members of the group.

He said: “Nobody told us that the land was in contention or any kind of dispute, neither did anybody come to disturb us since seven years ago when we bought it and started building.

“We were surprised that some people from Okuzu Mbana community, particularly a very rich man from the community, sponsored the destruction of our houses, making us incur losses of over N1bn on the over 150 ongoing building construction.”

Chukwu urged the state Governor, Chief Willie Obiano, to intervene.

In his reaction, the Chairman of Okuzu Mbana village, Mr. Chino Anachuna, denied knowledge of the association.

He recalled that they opposed the sale of the land when it was being sold, saying that the group rather connived with the sellers to beat and use weapon on them.

He said: “The people claiming to be members of the association knew they were in the wrong hands, but were assured of protection by the people who were illegally selling land to them.

“We were shouting that time, but they connived with the people selling land to them to beat and use weapons on our people, because they compromised all security agents that could come for them.”

Update news