There was wild jubilation in Abakaliki, the Ebonyi State capital, when the governor, David Umahi, resettled Agbaja Unuhu, Ndieze Inyimagu and some parts of Igbeagu communities by issuing them with Certificate of Occupancy (C of O).
It would be recalled that lands belonging to the communities along the Abakaliki/Afikpo express road were forcefully ceded to the Nigeria Army under the administration of Chief Martin Elechi without any compensation paid to the owners.
The land is currently housing the Centenary City Secretariat, which was given to the military in exchange of another location in Amasiri, Afikpo North local government area of the state.
Governor Umahi, who issued the Certificate of Occupancy (C of O) during his reelection rally, held at Nkwegu in Abakaliki local government area, said the gesture was part of state government’s resettlement plan for the communities.
He directed the commissioner for Lands and Survey as well as the chairman of the state Universal Basic Education Board to consider the location for establishment of new schools.
The governor also pledged to donate the sum of N50 million to each of the communities in the next one month, to assist them resettle properly, adding that the state government would ensure that markets and other life – enhancing amenities were provided for them.
