A 63 year old widow, Mrs Nkechinyere Ndukwe, has raised alarm over the alleged forceful destruction and attempted takeover of her family property located in Umuahia, describing the experience as traumatic and life threatening.
Sobbing as she narrated her ordeal, the retired headmistress said her two storey building and a bungalow, inherited from her late husband, have been severely damaged by unidentified individuals she claims are attempting to dispossess her of the property.
According to her account, the dispute began when men arrived at the property at Plot 62 Mission Hill, claiming it had been sold to them. She, however, insists that the property was never sold and remains jointly owned by her and her children.
Mrs Ndukwe explained that her son was allegedly arrested and detained over the dispute, while she and her daughter maintain that no consent was given for any sale transaction. She further stated that the Certificate of Occupancy bears multiple names, supporting her claim of joint ownership.
She alleged that armed men suspected to be hired thugs stormed the premises and began systematic destruction of the building, removing gates, windows, electrical fittings and parts of the structure, leaving the property exposed and unsafe.
The widow also claimed that the ers returned repeatedly, worsening the damage and instilling fear in her and her grandchildren, who now live in distress and insecurity within the damaged property.
In a petition supported by the Human Rights Committee of the Nigerian Bar Association Umuahia Branch, the widow appealed for urgent intervention from authorities, including the wife of the Abia State Governor, Priscilla Otti.
The NBA committee described her situation as a severe case of intimidation and alleged unlawful destruction, calling for immediate protection and investigation.
Mrs Ndukwe said she now lives in constant fear, unable to sleep due to threats reportedly made against her life and further demolition of the remaining structures.
She maintained that she has no intention of selling the property and insists she is being targeted unfairly in what she believes is a coordinated attempt to dispossess her of her home.
As the dispute continues, she is calling for justice, protection, and urgent government intervention to prevent further escalation.
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