Residents of Omalima Layout, Oze Nkwelle-Ezunaka in Oyi Local Government Area of Anambra State have raised the alarm over an alleged illegal takeover of their lands, following what they described as a forceful invasion by armed men claiming to be acting on “government directives.”
In an open letter addressed to Governor Chukwuma Charles Soludo, the residents appealed for urgent intervention to prevent further escalation of tension in the community and to restore public confidence in the rule of law.
According to the petition, panic gripped the area on Tuesday when armed individuals reportedly stormed the layout, barred landowners from accessing their legally acquired properties, and destroyed homes and perimeter fences. The development, residents said, triggered a spontaneous protest as affected persons demanded immediate government action to halt what they described as intimidation and unlawful land seizure.
Chairman of the Estate, Chief Moses, whose property was also allegedly affected, lamented the incident, insisting that residents purchased their lands legally and possess valid documentation to support their claims.
“Our people are crying. Houses and fences have been destroyed. We bought this land legally and have all our documents intact. We are appealing to the state government to come to our rescue,” he said.
The residents also expressed concern over a reported attack on a correspondent of Pechilly Investigative Media who was said to have being assaulted while attempting to investigate the incident on site.
According to the information gathered, the journalist was confronted by men who claimed they had instructions not to allow anyone into the disputed area, an action the residents described as an affront to press freedom and the public’s right to information.
One of the individuals reportedly present at the site, Mr. Sunday Ogaazi, also known as “One Man 30,” allegedly told residents that the operation was connected to disputed land ownership claims. He further claimed that individuals, including one Chukwuma Okpolaezeukwu of the Office of the Special Adviser Department, were acting on “government directives.”
These claims, the residents noted, have heightened fears that government institutions may be being misrepresented or misused to intimidate private citizens.
An affected landowner, identified simply as Chidi, recounted his ordeal with emotion, alleging that even property belonging to All Saints Anglican Church in the area was demolished. He questioned why the name of government should be invoked to dispossess law-abiding citizens of their property, describing the incident as cruel and unjust.
While reaffirming confidence in Governor Soludo’s commitment to justice, transparency, and due process, the residents urged him to act swiftly to prevent a breakdown of law and order in the community.
They specifically called on the governor to order an independent investigation into the alleged invasion and destruction of property, identify and sanction any individuals or officials found to be acting outside the law, verify land ownership records through appropriate legal channels, and ensure the protection of residents, journalists, and religious institutions in the area.
The petition warned that failure to act promptly could further inflame tensions and undermine public trust, potentially eroding the image of an administration known for reform and accountability.
“The people of Anambra look to your leadership at this critical moment,” the residents stated, expressing confidence that the governor’s intervention would restore peace, justice, and the principle that no one is above the law.
The letter was jointly signed by concerned residents of Omalima Layout, with the support of community leaders, civil rights advocates, and Pechilly Investigative Media.