By Nkechinyere Ewa
The people of Uburu community in Ohaozara Local Government Area of Ebonyi State have declared their full support for the ongoing acquisition of additional land for the expansion of the David Umahi Federal University of Health Sciences (DUFUHS), Uburu.
In a communiqué jointly signed by community leaders HRH Eze (Dr.) Lazarus Umahi Nweze, Chief Shedrack Onu, and Chief Odi Nicholas Enyi the community described the university’s expansion as a collective decision of Ndi Uburu, duly endorsed by the Uburu Traditional Rulers Council.
The leaders dismissed allegations of land grabbing against the Minister of Works, Senator David Umahi, describing a petition recently circulated in the community as “baseless and malicious.”
They said the use of the community’s name by the petitioners was unacceptable, warning those behind the petition to desist from dragging Uburu’s name into personal grievances aimed at discrediting the Minister.
“The expansion of the David Umahi Federal University of Health Sciences is a collective initiative of Ndi Uburu, conceived and endorsed by the Uburu Traditional Council,” the communiqué stated.
“The Council, chaired by HRH Eze (Dr.) Lazarus Umahi Nweze, hereby fully exonerates Senator Umahi of all allegations regarding the land processes.”
The DUFUHSU Land Expansion Committee, led by Dr. Umezurike Daniel (Coordinator) and Mr. Odi Nicholas Enyi (Secretary), also issued a detailed rejoinder outlining the transparent process followed during the acquisition exercise.
According to the committee, the university’s governing council had formally requested additional land since the current campus occupies less than 20 hectares. The committee’s terms of reference included conducting community-wide consultations, identifying affected landowners, obtaining their consent, and ensuring full compensation.
“All 29 identified landowners received compensation and signed consent documents. At no point did Senator David Umahi or any government official engage in land grabbing, intimidation, or threat to life,” the statement added.
The community leaders condemned attempts by some individuals to use the name of Umuchima village to sow division and tarnish Senator Umahi’s image, stressing that the university has brought pride, jobs, and sustainable development to Uburu.
“All community groups affirm their total support for the DUFUHSU expansion, which remains a vital community project and a symbol of progress for Ndi Uburu,” they concluded.
