Women from Amaidi, Amanyanwu and Onuzo villages in Imobi autonomous community, Uturu, Abia State, on Tuesday, the 6th of January, 2026, staged a peaceful protest within the community over alleged attempts by some individuals to take over granite deposits located on communal land.
The protesting women, who identified themselves as farmers, alleged that the move was being carried out without the knowledge or approval of the traditional ruler of Imobi autonomous community, Eze Simeon Chukwuemeka. They insisted that the monarch never granted authorisation for any individual or group to assume control of the granite resources.
According to the women, allowing a small number of persons to monopolise resources meant for the entire community would worsen poverty levels and deprive residents of their means of livelihood.
Addressing journalists on behalf of the protesters, Mrs Florence Uka, Mrs Nene Orieji and Uwakwe Nkechi stressed the need for an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) to be conducted on the affected areas before any granite exploration activities commence. They said such an assessment was necessary to identify and prevent possible environmental, health and economic risks associated with drilling and blasting.
“If the stones are being drilled, there could be hazards and it will affect us the more. Some have cassava, plantain and yam farmlands, and they could be affected economically and health wise if nothing is done now,” Nkechi said.
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The women maintained that their protest was peaceful and appealed to Governor Alex Otti to urgently intervene and address the situation to protect the interests of the community.
Also reacting, the Secretary-General of the Imobi Progressive Union, Adindu Kalu, who spoke on behalf of the traditional ruler, called on the Abia State Government to stop what he described as attempts by a few individuals to hijack communal assets.
“Some people went to Abuja and signed a consent letter inviting a company to the community, without the knowledge and consent of the Eze,” he said.