The Mbulu-Owo and Owo autonomous communities in Nkanu East Local Government Area of Enugu State have called on the Nigerian Army to comply with a court order directing it to withdraw troops from a piece of disputed land in the area.

The land in question lies along a contentious boundary involving several communities: Akpoga-Nike, Nkwubor Nike, and Onuogba Nike in Enugu East LGA on one side; and Amechi Idodo, Oruku, and Ubahu in Nkanu East; as well as Umuhuaji, Nkalagu, and Ama-Azu in Ishielu LGA of Ebonyi State.

On May 20, 2025, Justice C.O. Ajah of the Enugu State High Court issued a restraining order barring the Nigerian Army, the Ministry of Defence, and the Enugu State Government from entering or making any claim over the land, pending the determination of an ongoing legal case. The substantive suit was adjourned for a pretrial conference set for September 29, 2025.

Despite this legal directive, residents allege that soldiers have continued to maintain a presence in the area. Over the weekend, some indigenes—who are also kinsmen of Governor Peter Mbah—claimed that military personnel had resumed patrolling and surveying activities on the disputed land. A video circulating on social media shows armed soldiers moving through the area, further stoking public concern.

In a statement issued by the communities’ secretary, Mr. Ability Chukwuemeka Mbah, the residents appealed to the Nigerian Army to respect the court ruling in the interest of peace and stability. He noted that the continued military presence has created tension and unease among local inhabitants.

The dispute over the land reportedly dates back to 2016. A previous intervention by the Enugu State Government, which included a joint inspection of the land, failed to validate the Army’s claims. According to the findings, survey markers provided by the military could not be located on the site, making it difficult to confirm ownership.

In its submission to an investigative committee, the Nigerian Army maintained that the land had been acquired around 1970. It also alleged that unidentified individuals had encroached on the property by erecting unauthorized beacons.

The communities have reiterated their call for legal compliance and urged all parties to await the court’s final ruling rather than taking unilateral actions that could escalate tensions.