The Office of the Deputy Governor of Abia State has refuted reports alleging that the Deputy Governor, Engr. Ikechukwu Emetu, was involved in the forceful acquisition of private lands in Afara Community, located in Umuahia North Local Government Area.

In a statement issued on June 2, 2026, the office described the allegations circulating on social media and other informal channels as false, misleading, and capable of creating unnecessary tension among residents.

According to the statement, the Deputy Governor has neither direct nor indirect involvement in the matter, stressing that attempts to associate him with the issue are without any factual basis.

The office explained that the developments currently generating public discussion are connected to enforcement activities carried out by the Umuahia Capital Development Authority (UCDA), the agency responsible for regulating physical development, urban planning, and land-use compliance within the Umuahia Capital Territory.

It noted that, in line with its statutory duties, the UCDA had issued warning notices to certain property owners and occupants whose structures were alleged to violate existing planning regulations. The notices reportedly cited relevant provisions of the Town and Country Planning Law and the Umuahia Capital Development Authority Law, while also granting affected individuals an opportunity to provide valid approvals or take corrective measures within a specified timeframe.

The statement further revealed that the enforcement operation extended beyond the removal of illegal structures. As part of efforts to restore order and improve environmental standards, the authority also dismantled makeshift structures and identified criminal hideouts, including a marijuana bunker reportedly operating within the affected area.

According to the office, these actions demonstrate that the exercise was a routine regulatory and environmental enforcement operation undertaken in the public interest, rather than an attempt to acquire private land on behalf of any individual or public official.

It maintained that the activities carried out by the UCDA were within the scope of its legally established mandate and should not be interpreted as a private land acquisition exercise.

The Office of the Deputy Governor therefore urged members of the public to disregard claims linking Engr. Emetu to the enforcement activities, describing such allegations as baseless.

The statement also reaffirmed the commitment of the administration of Governor Alex Otti to the principles of due process, transparency, the rule of law, and the protection of citizens' rights and property. It emphasized that government agencies are expected to operate within the framework of existing laws, while individuals affected by official actions retain the right to seek clarification or pursue legal remedies where necessary.

Residents of Afara Community and the wider public were encouraged to remain calm and avoid spreading unverified information that could create unnecessary anxiety or erode public confidence in government institutions.

The Office of the Deputy Governor concluded by reiterating its commitment to justice, fairness, accountability, and responsible governance, while remaining open to constructive engagement with members of the public.