WE HAVE LIVED HERE FOR OVER 20YEARS, YOU CANNOT RENDER OVER 42 FAMILIES AND 400 PEOPLE HOMELESS BECAUSE YOU WANT TO BUILD HOSTELS FOR YOUR CHURCH OWNED UNIVERSITY- TENANTS AT NO. 37 LINCA ROAD, ONITSHA CRIES OUT . (PHOTOS).

- February 01, 2026

We have lived here for over 20years, you cannot render over 42 families and 400 people homeless because you want to build hostels for your church owned university- TENANTS AT NO. 37 LINCA ROAD, ONITSHA CRIES OUT

The long-standing occupants of an estate located at No. 37 Linca Road, Onitsha, have express their deep distress, concern, and disappointment over the actions of the Catholic Archdiocese of Onitsha, which appear to be directed toward rendering over forty-two (42) families homeless in the process of establishing a hostel for Shanahan University.

These families have built their lives, raised children, and contributed positively to the community without conflict in the estate.

The said estate is the lawful property of Igwe Michael Okonkwo Etusi (the landlord) and has been home to families who have lived there peacefully and harmoniously for over twenty (20) years.

It is alleged that His Grace, Most Rev. Valerian Okeke, Archbishop of Onitsha, entered into a five-year lease agreement for the estate with the intention of converting it into a university hostel.

However, this arrangement appears to have been made without due consideration for the fate of the existing tenants, who are now facing sudden eviction, uncertainty, and emotional trauma.

As of today, these families—men, women, children, and the elderly—are devastated and confused, not knowing where to go or what the future holds for them.

They are pleading with the Catholic Archdiocese of Onitsha, His Grace, Archbishop Valerian Okeke, Relevant Church authorities and stakeholders to urgently reconsider this course of action, engage in transparent dialogue, and seek humane alternatives that do not leave families homeless.

They opined that the Church must remain a refuge for the people—not a source of fear and that human conscience must never be sacrificed on the altar of business or expansion.

More photos below.