By Karen James
A fresh wave of tension has erupted in the Amafor Nkpor community of Idemili North Local Government Area, Anambra State, following the controversial closure of two motor parks located under the flyover bridge near the New Motor Spare Parts Market along the Enugu-Onitsha Expressway.
The parks were sealed on April 1st by order of the Mayor of Idemili North, Chief Hon. Stanley Nkwoka, who cited the need to prevent a potential breakdown of law and order as the catalyst for the action. The move has since sparked protests from community members who claim the parks are situated on federal government land and were being used legally with federal approval.
At the heart of the conflict is a bitter dispute over the rightful authority to operate and manage the parks—an issue that has pitted the local government, a private company named Business Link, and the Amafor Nkpor community against each other.
Speaking on the issue, Mayor Nkwoka explained that the land under the flyover is not meant for commercial activities. He referenced a 2016 Public-Private Partnership (PPP) agreement between Business Link and the local government that allowed the company to build and operate the motor parks for a ten-year period. However, the agreement was disrupted in 2019 when youth groups from Amafor allegedly displaced Business Link and took over operations.
“For the past six years, there has been unauthorized activity on this land,” Nkwoka said. “When I assumed office, I attempted to resolve the issue fairly. I even negotiated a 17% revenue share for the Amafor community to ensure they benefit. But until both parties resolve their differences, no one will be allowed access.”
He added that the parks will remain sealed pending a peaceful resolution, and warned motorists against parking in the area, stating that any vehicle found there would be confiscated.
In sharp contrast, Amafor community leaders have accused the mayor of bias and overreach. Chief Emmanuel Idemili, also known as Emma Golden, who spoke on behalf of the community, maintained that the area has long been used for community activities even before the construction of the flyover. According to him, their continued use of the land was approved by the Federal Ministry of Works, and their operations contribute to local security funding.
“We have federal approval and pay taxes to the state government. This is not illegal,” Emmanuel argued. “We were told by the previous local government administration that we would not be displaced. Now we are being shut out without proper justification.”
Emmanuel also dismissed claims that the community was violent or lawless. “Since the sealing of the parks, we have maintained peace. There has been no vandalism, no robbery. We are simply asking for our rights to be respected.”
The community further claims the matter is already in court, stemming from previous attempts by Business Link to reclaim the parks, which resulted in a legal tug-of-war filled with allegations and counterclaims.
As the standoff continues, residents and commuters alike are caught in the middle, with access to a critical transportation hub now indefinitely restricted. Both the Amafor Nkpor community and the local government remain firm in their positions, with no clear resolution in sight.
Observers warn that unless the federal, state, and local authorities intervene to mediate a lasting agreement, the impasse could escalate and disrupt not only local commerce but also regional transport routes along the vital Enugu-Onitsha corridor.
