Residents Cry Out Over Alleged Armed Backing of Illegal Demolitions in Anambra

 

By Our Reporters 

Fear, anger, and desperation now hang heavily over Omalima Layout, Oze, Nkwelle-Ezunaka, in Oyi Local Government Area of Anambra State, as residents accuse armed security operatives of aiding illegal land grabbing and violent demolition of homes and a church—without court orders.

At the centre of the controversy is a formal petition submitted to the Inspector General of Police (IGP) by the Amalgamated Landlord Association of Omalima Layout, alleging abuse of power, professional misconduct, and unlawful use of armed force by security personnel acting in concert with suspected land grabbers.

“They Came With Guns, Not Papers”

Residents say the invasion was sudden, brutal, and terrifying.

“They did not bring court papers. They brought guns,”

said Mr. Emeka Okeke, Secretary of the Landlord Association.

“We woke up to bulldozers escorted by armed men. Our walls were falling, our houses shaking, and nobody could question them.”

According to the petition, the assailants arrived with bulldozers, caterpillars, and earth-moving machines, allegedly shielded by armed operatives believed to be from the Nigerian Navy, Civil Defence, and other unidentified security outfits.

Church Demolished, Faith Shaken

Among the destroyed structures was a church building belonging to the Niger Diocese of the Anglican Communion, an act residents describe as both sacrilegious and traumatic.

“That church was not just a building,”

said a tearful elderly resident who requested anonymity for safety reasons.

“It was where we prayed for peace. They pulled it down like it meant nothing.”

Photographs attached to the petition reportedly show the extent of destruction, including shattered fences, leveled buildings, and displaced families.

Legal Context: No Court Order, No Right to Demolish

Legal experts note that under Nigerian law, no individual, agency, or security outfit has the authority to demolish private property without a valid court order, regardless of land disputes.

Under:

• Section 43 of the 1999 Constitution (as amended),

every citizen has the right to acquire and own immovable property.

• Section 44 prohibits compulsory acquisition or destruction of property without due process and compensation.

• The Nigeria Police Act and other security regulations strictly forbid officers from aiding civil wrongs or acting outside lawful directives.

A senior legal practitioner, who spoke on condition of anonymity, described the allegations as “deeply troubling.”

“If armed officers truly escorted illegal demolitions without court orders, it is not just misconduct—it is a serious constitutional breach,” he said.

Named Individuals, Alleged Influence

The petition named Ben Chibio, Chukwuma Okpala Ezekwu, Chiejina Obieze, and Sunday Ogazi (popularly known as ‘One Man 30’) as key actors allegedly coordinating the invasion.

Residents claim the men boasted of strong connections with:

• the Nigeria Police,

• the Nigerian Navy,

• the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC),

• and unnamed top government officials.

“They told us nothing would happen to them,”

a resident recounted.

“They said security is on their side.”

Government Agencies Distance Themselves

However, the Anambra State Ministry of Lands and the Physical Planning Board, after conducting independent investigations, reportedly issued public notices disassociating themselves and their staff from the demolition at Omalima Layout.

This development casts doubt on claims that the operation was officially sanctioned.

Arrests Made, Yet Demolition Continued

According to the petition, operatives of the Rapid Response Squad (RRS) of the Anambra State Police Command initially arrested some suspects and impounded demolition equipment, which was taken to a police facility in Awkuzu.

Shockingly, residents allege that demolition resumed days later—this time with heavier armed presence.

“That was when fear truly entered us,”

said Evangelist Abaogu Moses, Chairman of the association.

“If arrests were made and yet the destruction continued, then who are we supposed to trust?”

Human Cost: Families Displaced, Fear of Bloodshed

Beyond legal arguments, the human cost is severe. Families say they now sleep in fear, children have been displaced, and elderly residents are traumatized.

“We are law-abiding citizens,” one landlord said.

“But if this continues, people may react. That is how bloodshed starts.”

The petition warns that prolonged intimidation could provoke resistance, leading to communal violence and loss of lives.

Call for Federal Intervention

The landlords are urging the Inspector General of Police to:

• investigate the alleged role of security personnel,

• identify and prosecute those behind the demolitions,

• halt further destruction,

• and restore peace and public confidence in law enforcement.

As of the time of filing this report, the Nigeria Police Force, the Nigerian Navy, and the Anambra State Government have not issued official responses to the allegations.

A Test for Rule of Law

For residents of Omalima Layout, the crisis goes beyond land—it is a test of whether the rule of law still protects ordinary citizens.

“If armed men can destroy our homes today,”

a resident asked quietly,

“whose home will be next tomorrow?”