Tension in Anambra Community Over Alleged Forceful Land Takeover

Residents of Omalima Layout, Oze Nkwelle-Ezunaka, in Oyi Local Government Area of Anambra State, have petitioned Governor Chukwuma Charles Soludo over the alleged forceful takeover of their lands and destruction of property by individuals suspected to be acting under the guise of government authority.
The affected residents are calling on the governor to order an immediate and independent investigation into the alleged invasion, intimidation, and destruction of property in the community.
They also urged the state government to urgently identify and hold accountable any individuals or officials found to be acting outside the law while falsely invoking government directives.
According to the residents, failure by the government to act promptly could escalate tensions in the area and seriously undermine public trust.
They warned that the situation, if not urgently addressed, could potentially tarnish the image of an administration widely regarded as being founded on transparency, reform, and accountability. They further expressed concern that continued silence might embolden further illegal actions and provoke unrest.
In a petition submitted by the Concerned Residents of Omalima Layout and titled “Urgent Appeal Over Alleged Illegal Land Takeover and Rising Tension in Omalima Layout, Oze Nkwelle-Ezunaka, Oyi LGA,” the community expressed deep concern and a strong sense of urgency over the growing tension gripping the area.

The petition followed a disturbing incident of alleged land seizure and intimidation reportedly carried out under the claim of “government directives.”
According to the petition, panic spread across the community on Tuesday when armed men allegedly claiming to be acting on government orders invaded Omalima Layout.
The men reportedly prevented landowners from accessing their legally acquired properties and went on to destroy homes and perimeter fences within the estate.
The actions reportedly created fear, confusion, and emotional distress among residents.
The development triggered a spontaneous protest by members of the community, who demanded immediate government intervention to stop what they described as an illegal and forceful takeover of their lands.
The Chairman of the Estate, Chief Moses, whose property was also affected, lamented the scale of destruction and intimidation suffered by residents.
He stated that landowners in the area purchased their lands legally and possess valid documents to prove ownership.
“Our people are crying. Their houses and fences have been destroyed. We bought this land legally and have all our documents intact. We are begging the state government to come to our rescue,” he said.
Further investigation by our correspondent revealed that journalists who visited the area were allegedly confronted by some men who claimed they had instructions “not to allow anyone” into the disputed land.
One of the men on ground, identified as Mr. Sunday Ogaazi, popularly known as “One Man 30,” stated that he and his team were acting on instructions relating to land ownership claims. He further alleged that the operation involved individuals, including one Chukwuma Okpolaezeukwu of the Office of the Special Adviser Department, whom he claimed were acting on “government directives.”
These claims have sparked outrage among residents, who fear that government institutions may be being misused to intimidate law-abiding citizens and dispossess them of their legally acquired properties.
One affected landowner, identified simply as Chidi, emotionally recounted his ordeal, alleging that even property belonging to All Saints Anglican Church in the area was demolished. He questioned why the name of the government should be used to dispossess innocent citizens of their land, describing the act as cruel, unjust, and unacceptable.
“Your Excellency, the people of Omalima Layout are not questioning your commitment to justice, due process, and the rule of law—values for which your administration is widely known. Rather, they are appealing to you to intervene swiftly to prevent a breakdown of law and order, restore public confidence, and protect innocent citizens from abuse of power,” he said.
The residents specifically appealed to the governor to:Order an immediate and independent investigation into the alleged invasion and destruction of property;
Urgently identify and hold accountable any individuals or officials acting outside the law while invoking government authority;
Verify land ownership records through appropriate legal and administrative channels; and
Ensure the protection of residents and religious institutions while restoring peace to the affected community.
They warned that failure to act promptly could further escalate tensions and undermine public trust, potentially damaging the image of an administration built on transparency, reform, and accountability. The residents fear that continued silence could embolden further illegal actions and provoke unrest.
“Your Excellency, the people of Anambra State look to your leadership at this critical moment. We trust that your intervention will bring clarity, justice, and lasting peace to Oze Nkwelle-Ezunaka, and reaffirm the principle that no one is above the law,” the petition added.