Tension is brewing in the Ngor Okpala Local Government Area of Imo State as residents of the Umuiche village in Elelem Autonomous Community have accused the state government of orchestrating an aggressive land-grabbing campaign, allegedly backed by violence and intimidation.
According to a distress statement signed by village representatives — Mr. Matins Okoroafor (Chairperson), Mr. Christ Nwogu (Secretary), and Mr. Nicholas Egbufor (Member) — armed individuals believed to be operating under the protection of state authorities have forcibly taken ancestral lands from residents without their consent.
The community points fingers directly at Imo State Governor, Hope Uzodinma, alleging that the state government is facilitating the seizure of native lands through individuals identified as Chikadibia Anyanwu, Chukwudubem Nwosu, and Andrew Okere — all reportedly from the Obioma Autonomous Community.
“These individuals, working hand-in-hand with bandits and allegedly supported by armed officers from the Tiger Base unit, have been involved in violently evicting rightful landowners and settling unknown persons,” the statement reads.
The villagers further claim that the motive behind the land acquisition is to establish settlements for Fulani herders, a move they fiercely oppose. The crisis has reportedly led to the killing of three community members who resisted the land takeover.
“These lands, passed down to us by our ancestors and historically known by names such as Ahaba/Ngara and Agaranwa, lie behind our village and along the borders of Umundoche, Okwuruma, and the Obioma Autonomous Community near Rivers State,” the community leaders explained.
They lamented that the continued attacks have left many residents displaced and scattered, making it difficult to document the identities or images of the alleged perpetrators.
“We are not willing to sell or cede our lands for any form of settlement. We call on the general public, human rights organizations, and civil society groups to intervene and help stop this injustice,” the letter concludes.
The affected areas include:
Umuiche village in Elelem Autonomous Community
Umundoche village
Okwuruma village
Umuoyere of Obioma Autonomous Community
Efforts to reach the Imo State Government for an official response were unsuccessful at the time of filing this report.
