The Enugu State chapter of the Joint National Association of Persons with Disabilities (JONAPWD) has called for justice following the demolition of a house belonging to a 66-year-old visually impaired man, Anibueze Nnadi, in Ihekwuenu-Aku Autonomous Community, Igbo-Etiti Local Government Area.
The chairman of JONAPWD, Enugu State, Comrade Onyebuchi Mba, made this demand during a press conference in Enugu.
He explained that Nnadi’s house, which was under construction, was initially demolished by Christopher Okwor, the traditional ruler of the Ihekwuenu-Aku Autonomous Community.
Okwor claimed ownership of the land where a two-bedroom apartment was being constructed for Nnadi by a philanthropist, Okechukwu Ezemagu.
Mba stated that the building was nearing completion when it was pulled down by hired thugs. The former Governor of Enugu State, Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi, intervened and suspended the traditional ruler in response to this incident.
News About Nigeria gathered that historical records show that the land currently being used by Okwor for his residence was generously given to his family by Nnadi’s family.
The police were also involved, and they arrested the traditional ruler, who pledged to rebuild the house but did not fulfil his promise.
Despite delays in the implementation of recommendations from the former Governor’s committee reports, members of Ezemagu’s family and other concerned citizens decided to construct a new house. However, Okwor and his family allegedly attacked the workers on the project.
Mba called for justice, emphasising that the demolition of Nnadi’s house, a visually impaired man with health issues, is inhumane and violates the rights of persons with disabilities.
He urged relevant authorities, human rights organisations, and civil society groups to take immediate action to ensure accountability for those responsible.
Nnadi shared that on October 8, a group of youths forcibly removed him from his house, subjected him to physical abuse, and demolished the structure while he was inside.
An investigative panel has been set up by the Enugu State Government to look into the matter, and its findings will be made public.
The Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Matters, Okey Ogbodo, appealed for peace and emphasised that the government aims to identify the root cause of the problem.
