A crisis is erupting in a fast-growing commercial location of Oze in Nkwelle-Ezunaka in the Oyi Local Government Area of Anambra State following the purported use of armed men, supported by government officials, to intimidate some landowners and take disputed portions of land.

In the course of the crisis occasioned by the invasion, with the backing of government officials, perimeter fences were reportedly destroyed, creating fear, confusion and distress among the residents.

This development, it was learnt, triggered a spontaneous protest by community members who demanded immediate government intervention to halt what they described as an illegal and forceful land takeover.

Some stakeholders in the area have petitioned Governor Chukwuma Soludo over the growing tension currently gripping Omalima Layout, Oze Nkwelle-Ezunaka, in the area.

The petition, written by the so-called Concerned Residents of Omalima Layout, Oze Nkwelle-Ezunaka, with support from community leaders and civil rights advocates, has faulted the alleged complicity between government officials and interested parties.

Reacting, a key stakeholder and the chairman of the estate, who simply gave his name as Chief Moses, whose property was also affected by the act of vandalism, lamented the destruction and intimidation suffered by landowners and residents who, he claimed, purchased their lands legally and possess valid documentation to prove ownership.

Moses said, “Our people are crying; they are crying over the fact that 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.”

Further investigations revealed that a journalist with an online television news portal, the Pechilly Media, who visited the site of the crisis was attacked, with the attackers claiming they were not violating free press as they were under instruction “not to allow anyone” into the disputed area.

One affected landowner, identified as Chidi, who emotionally recounted his ordeal, stated that even the property of All Saints Anglican Church in the area was demolished. He lamented the use of the name of government to dispossess law-abiding citizens of their property, describing the act as cruel and unjust.

The letter further read: “Your Excellency, the people of Omalima Layout are not questioning your commitment to justice, due process and the rule of law—values your administration is widely known for. Rather, they are appealing to you to intervene swiftly to prevent further breakdown of law and order, restore public confidence and protect innocent citizens from abuse of power.

“We respectfully call on you to order for an immediate and independent investigation into the alleged invasion and destruction of property, identify and hold accountable any individual or officials found to be acting outside the law while invoking government authority, verify land ownership records through the appropriate legal and administrative channels, ensure the protection of residents, journalists and religious institutions, and restore peace to the affected community.

“Failure to act promptly may escalate tensions and undermine public trust, potentially tarnishing the image of an administration built on transparency, reform and accountability. The people fear that continued silence could embolden further illegal actions and provoke unrest.

“Your Excellency, Anambra citizens 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 Guardian)

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