Tensions are rising between Ugwuto community in Udi Local Government Area and Enpower Energy Ltd over the ownership and development rights of the Ugwuto Hilltop Layout. Both parties have issued conflicting claims about the legality of the company’s operations on the land.

Representing Enpower Energy Ltd, Barrister Ricky Agu stated that the company operates under a tripartite agreement signed in 2009 between the Enugu State Government, Enpower Energy Ltd, and Oildata Integrated Construction Company. According to Agu, the partnership is part of a public-private initiative aimed at attracting investment to the state.

“The state government has the constitutional authority to acquire land for public purposes, contribute it as equity, and partner with technically skilled firms for development. Allegations of land grabbing are false,” Agu said. He added that the community would receive any due equity once operations begin, noting that some residents resisting work on site were arrested to prevent chaos.

However, Ugwuto community leaders have refuted the claim, describing the alleged 2009 agreement as a “figment of imagination.” Elder Emmanuel Agu, the community spokesperson, said the community had no prior knowledge of Enpower or Oildata Integrated Construction Company. He recalled a previous visit by Barr. Agu, during which he swore an oath on the land, acknowledging that the community was being wronged.

The community alleged that Enpower began encroaching on the land in 2019, bulldozing crops and claiming a Certificate of Occupancy (C-of-O) that does not include Ugwuto Hilltop Layout. They emphasized that a court order already bars any work on the site. Community leaders also accused the company of intimidating residents, writing petitions against individuals, and allegedly manipulating institutions to gain control of the land.

Hon. Emeka Joshua Ozochi, another community leader, stated that Enpower was using security operatives and regulatory agencies to intimidate residents. He appealed to Governor Peter Mbah to intervene and halt what the community described as unlawful encroachment.

The Ugwuto community stressed its history of donating land for public projects, including the Enugu International Market and water reservoirs, yet claimed they have received no compensation or adequate infrastructure, highlighting persistent challenges such as lack of pipe-borne water despite hosting public utilities for decades.