Omalima Layout in Turmoil: Land Grab Sparks Armed Clash in Oze Nkwelle-Ezunaka
By Karen James
A growing atmosphere of fear and unrest has engulfed the residents of Omalima Layout in Oze Nkwelle-Ezunaka, Oyi Local Government Area of Anambra State, following a disturbing case of alleged land grabbing involving individuals reportedly linked to certain government departments.
Tension escalated on Tuesday when armed men, allegedly acting under “government orders,” stormed the community and barred landowners from accessing their properties.
The invasion triggered widespread protests as outraged residents demanded immediate government intervention to halt what they described as an “illegal and forceful land takeover.”
The Acting Chairman of the Estate, Evangelist Abalogu Moses, whose own property was affected, expressed deep concern over the intimidation and destruction that landowners have recently endured.
He said many have been left helpless and fearful, appealing directly to Governor Chukwuma Charles Soludo for urgent intervention.
“Our people are crying. Their homes and fences have been destroyed. We purchased this land legally and have all our documents in order. We are pleading with the state government to come to our rescue,” Chief Moses said.
During an on-site visit to investigate the situation, our correspondent was reportedly assaulted by men in uniform who claimed they had received strict orders “not to allow anyone” into the disputed area.
One of the men, identified as Mr. Sunday Ogaazi, popularly known as “One Man 30,” claimed he and his five-man team were acting on instructions regarding the ownership of the land.
“This land belongs to Ndi Onitsha. We were told to come and take back what is rightfully ours,” Ogaazi said.
He further alleged that the operation was coordinated by individuals within the state government, specifically naming Chukwuma Okpolaezeukwu from the Office of the Special Adviser Department and Ben Chiobi of the AVM Department. According to Ogaazi, they were acting “on government directives.”
However, his claims have sparked intense backlash from residents, who accuse the said officials of weaponizing government influence to intimidate private citizens and illegally demolish legally owned property.
One of the affected landowners, identified simply as Chidi, fought back tears as he recounted the traumatic experience.
“Why should people use the name of the government to oppress others? They claimed Governor Soludo and the AVM office sent them to take over our land. Even the property belonging to All Saints Anglican Church here was demolished. This is sheer wickedness,” he said.
The incident has drawn widespread condemnation from community members, religious institutions, and civil society organizations, all of whom have called on Governor Soludo to order an immediate investigation and ensure that justice prevails.
Residents warn that if the situation is not addressed promptly, it could lead to further unrest and potentially damage the image of the Soludo administration.
As of the time of this filing report, the Anambra State Government has not issued any official statement in response to the allegations or the growing tension in Omalima Layout.
Community leaders have urged the government to urgently verify land ownership records, restore calm, and ensure peace returns to Oze Nkwelle-Ezunaka before the crisis escalates beyond control.
