Tension Erupts in Omalima Layout, Oze Nkwelle-Ezunaka Over Alleged Land Theft, Armed Invasion

By Karen James

Tension has gripped residents of Omalima Layout, Oze Nkwelle-Ezunaka in Oyi Local Government Area of Anambra State, following a disturbing case of alleged land theft involving individuals reportedly linked to certain government departments.

Huge panic spread across the area on Tuesday when armed men allegedly acting on “government orders” invaded the community, preventing landowners from accessing their properties. The situation escalated into a massive protest, as residents demanded immediate government intervention to stop what they described as an “illegal land takeover.”

The Acting Chairman of the Estate, Evang. Abalogu Moses, whose property was also affected, lamented the destruction and intimidation landowners have endured in recent days. He revealed that many property owners have been left helpless, calling on Governor Chukwuma Charles Soludo to intervene urgently.

“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,” Chief Moses said.

During an on-site investigation, a correspondent from Pechilly Investigative Media was reportedly attacked by some uniformed men who claimed they had orders “not to allow anyone” into the disputed area.

One of the men present, identified as Mr. Sunday Ogaazi, also known as “One Man 30”, claimed he and his team—five in total—were acting on instructions linked to the ownership of the land.

“This land belongs to Ndi Onitsha. We were told to come here and take over what belongs to us,” Ogaazi stated.

Ogaazi further alleged that the individuals behind the operation include Chukwuma Okpolaezeukwu from the Office of the Special Adviser Department and Ben Chiobi of the AVM Department, claiming they were acting “on government directives.”

However, his claims have sparked outrage among residents, who accused the alleged officials of using government influence to intimidate private citizens and destroy legal property.

One of the affected landowners, identified simply as Chidi, fought back tears as he described the ordeal:

“Why will some people use the name of the government to intimidate others? They said they were sent by Governor Soludo and the AVM office to take over our land. Even the All Saints Anglican Church’s property here was demolished. This is wickedness.”

The incident has drawn widespread condemnation from community members, church representatives, and civil rights advocates, all of whom have called on Governor Soludo to launch an immediate investigation into the matter and ensure justice is served.

Residents fear that the invasion could lead to further unrest if not swiftly addressed, warning that such actions could tarnish the image of the Soludo administration.

Meanwhile, the Pechilly Investigative Department has called for a full-scale probe into the situation, demanding accountability and recovery of the allegedly stolen properties.

As of the time of filing this report, no official statement has been issued by the Anambra State Government regarding the allegations or the escalating tension in Omalima Layout.

Community leaders have urged the state government to restore calm, verify ownership records, and ensure that peace returns to Oze Nkwelle-Ezunaka before the situation spirals out of control.