Residents of Ugwuto Nsude community in Udi Local Government Area of Enugu State have taken to the streets to protest what they describe as an attempt by Enpower Energy Ltd to illegally seize their ancestral land.

The demonstrators — including men, women, youths, and children — marched through the community carrying placards with inscriptions such as “We Say No to Land Grabbers,” “Governor Peter Mbah, Save Us From Enpower,” and “Enpower, Leave Our Land Alone.”

They chanted solidarity songs and vowed to resist any effort to dispossess them of their land.

According to the protesters, the company allegedly entered the disputed land without authorisation, destroying crops and economic trees, despite a pending court case over ownership of the property.

They called on Governor Peter Mbah to urgently intervene, describing the company’s actions as “an act of impunity.”

An elder of the community, Mr. Vincent Ukwuani, said the dispute began in 2019 when Enpower Energy Ltd reportedly moved into their land and began clearing without the community’s consent.

“The land in question is called Ugwuto Land. The invasion started six years ago, and we took the matter to court. Yet, last month, they returned with bulldozers and resumed work even though the case is still pending,” Ukwuani said.

Another resident, Mr. Linus Ugwuoga, confirmed that the case has been adjourned to December 19, 2025, yet the company continues its activities.

“We have supported several government projects here, including the Enugu International Market, twin water tanks, and the Ebeano Bypass. But this one is different — we will not allow anyone to take our land unlawfully,” he added.

Also speaking, community leader Hon. Emeka Joshua Ozochi accused the owner of Enpower Energy Ltd, Engr. Emeka Ene, of using the police to intimidate residents and silence opposition to the project.

The protesters urged both the state government and law enforcement agencies to ensure justice and protect their land rights.