VIDEO: “We Are Not Land Grabbers, We Are The Rightful Owners” – Nkpa Community Challenges Methodist Church Claim

The President General of Nkpa Central Development Union (NCDU) in Bende LGA of Abia State and Presiding Bishop of Unique Grace Ministries, Bishop Elect Ugochukwu Nwosu, has strongly refuted allegations by the Methodist Archbishop of Umuahia Diocese, Raphael Opoko, who allegedly labeled Nkpa people as “land grabbers” in the ongoing dispute over the Umuimenyi Leprosy Colony land.

Speaking to journalists in Umuahia on Friday, Bishop Nwosu emphasized that Nkpa remains a peaceful and law-abiding community and would not allow any attempt to “recolonize” them in the 21st century.

“Nkpa has accommodated the Methodist Church and even donated land for the construction of their churches. However, on the issue of the Leprosy Colony, it must be on record that Umualokocha Community did not donate that land to the Methodist Church. The land was leased to the Abia State Government for a 99-year period, which will expire in six years. The Methodist Church has no claim to that property,” Bishop Nwosu clarified.

He expressed surprise at reports that the Methodist Church planned to build a university on the land, stressing that such a project could not proceed without the consent of the original land donors.

Bishop Nwosu disclosed that both the Ministry of Lands and the Ministry of Justice had surveyed the land and issued official reports in April 2025 confirming that the area designated for Nkpa’s Unity Housing Estate is distinct from the land leased to the government for the leprosy settlement.

“The Methodist Church is not a parastatal of the government. When we asked for their legal documents, they claimed they were ‘agents of colonialism.’ Which community wants to be colonized by a church in 2025?” he queried.

The cleric accused the church of filing multiple petitions aimed at frustrating the Unity Housing Estate project being developed by Nkpa Community in partnership with the Abia State Estate Development Agency (ABSEDA).

Also speaking, Deacon Chief Charles Madubuike, Chairman of the Works/Project Committee of NCDU, insisted that Nkpa people remain committed to peace and development.

“There is no time Nkpa people donated land to the Methodist Church. The colony land was leased to the government, and that lease will expire in six years. If the church has any interest, they should approach Umualokocha Community for a new agreement,” Madubuike said.

He assured subscribers to the Unity Housing Estate project that it has the full backing of the Abia State Government, having met all statutory requirements, and urged residents to remain calm and continue supporting Governor Alex Otti’s administration.

Bishop Nwosu reaffirmed Nkpa’s support for Governor Otti, promising the community’s continued partnership with the state government toward sustainable development ahead of 2027.