Anambra community protests planned demolition of houses for power project

Indigenous residents of Ebenesi Community in Anambra State voiced their opposition to the planned demolition of their homes to facilitate a power line project. During a protest at the Obi Ezenabo Traditional Centre, community leaders expressed concerns that no relocation plans had been established for those affected by the demolition order.

The protesters alleged that officials from the Anambra State Physical Planning Board had pressured landlords to demolish their properties within 14 days or face government intervention. The President of Ebenesi Community, Chief Okechukwu Oraka, accused Nnobi of being added to the power line project's route through "foul means" and challenged the relocation of residents without proper consideration.

Oraka emphasized that the community had inhabited the area for over 200 years and questioned the necessity of demolishing ancestral homes for a power line. Other affected villagers, including elderly residents, echoed Oraka's sentiments, urging the government to explore alternatives such as underground power lines or relocation outside the community.

Local authorities acknowledged the protests and assured the community that their concerns would be relayed to the relevant authorities. However, a representative of the Anambra State Physical Planning Board confirmed that the affected landlords had been served with demolition notices, maintaining that the area had been earmarked for the project for years.