News
Protests Rock Anambra Community Over Alleged Land Encroachment

The people of Umuenu village, Umuawulu community in Awka South Local Government Area, Anambra state, staged a peaceful protest against illegal encroachment into their ancestral land, Agu Udo/Agu Ofu, by a neighbouring village, Abo Ani, in Orunba North Local Government Area, hometowm of Chief Ernest Ezeajughi, Chief of Staff to Governor Chukwuma Soludo.
Protesters accuse Ezeajughi of using his position as Soludo’s Chief of Staff and Awgbu community indigene to influence the state boundary committee Chairman, Ifeanyichukwu Ibezim, to suppress Umuenu villagers of Umuawulu and favour Abo-Ani villagers of Awgbu.
However, in a swift response, Ezeajughi debunked the Umuenu villagers’ allegation, describing it as extremely spurious.
Ezeajughi, who denied the allegations over the phone, stated that the Deputy Governor is the Chairman of the Boundary Committee, which is responsible for investigating and resolving boundary disputes in the state.
“I am not aware of any meeting, nor was I a member of the team that went to inspect or demarcate the disputed land between villages in Umuawulu and another village in the Awgbu community. According to Ezeajughi, only the Deputy Governor has the authority to preside over land matters brought before the Anambra State Boundary Dispute Commission.
In response, Deputy Governor Ibezim stated, “I made changes to our boundary committee”. I took the time to physically visit these disputed areas and verify all of the claims. At the very least, we would be able to see every sign of demarcation, such as trees, rivers, and landmarks that keep communities together’, the Deputy Governor said.
Ibezim stated, “In the case in question, I went there, walked for kilometres through the bush, and stood there. The two villages and a community – because it is between Enugwu village in Umuawulu, Umuenu village in Umuawulu, and Abo Ani in Awgbu, all for the case in my office, and we set a date to go there. Surprisingly, Umuenu did not show up.
“There, we did not want to make our own decision, so I called the leader of Umuawulu and the lawyer representing them, only to discover that after all of us agreed to meet there, he went back, because he was part of the decision that we would go physically there, and he told me that he decided later to go to court again.”
“I made no statements there. All I told the people present was that we had seen things and would return to make our decision. I left. Whatever they are saying is simply a result of their unwillingness to let peace reign. We have not issued an official statement or made a decision on this matter. “They should wait for my decision first.”
“I have not made a final decision, and they are carrying placards. I simply stated that I had heard and seen the location, but had not made a decision.
When asked if the Supreme Court decision referred to by Umuenu residents favoured the village, the Deputy Governor responded, “People lay claims to all sorts of things.” Let them deliver the Supreme Court decision. You have this and that judgement; we have lawyers.”
“As the executive arm of the government, we have a statutory responsibility to protect judicial decisions. To even protect the laws enacted by the legislature because we control the means to do so.
“I do not own any land there. I do not want to have one because I am not from Umuawulu or Awgbu. So, when someone calls the Chief of Staff or anyone else, the Chief of Staff does not accompany us and is unaware that we are going there.”
“There is something called monumentation. Ask them if we have done monumentation, which is when we physically go out and use beacons to fix and establish boundaries. Let them decide whether we did that. Let them say whether I pointed to any point as the boundary.”
“Many elders from other villages went with us and climbed the hills, but there was no single representative from Umuenu; in the meantime, you agreed to be there on a date you even set. There is so much insincerity in this land dispute. Some claim that we go out and place beacons in order to obtain lands for ourselves. I just wonder why I should do that,” said Ibezim.
Protesters held placards reading, “Governor Soludo come to our rescue, Abo Ani encroached on our land, we have supreme court judgement in our favour on the land, Deputy Governor Onyekachukwu Ibezim is biassed, Deputy Gov has been influenced by Chief of Staff who hails from Awgbu, Deputy Gov writes scripts of Chief of Staff and former director of Anambra State Boundary Commission, Chief Davidson Nkala, Soludo intervene before they take over.”
Speaking to reporters during the protest, the protesters’ spokesperson and former chairman of the Umuenu Umuawulu community, Chief Humphrey Obi, recounted how the land dispute began in the 1960s and how Umuenu won all three court cases involving the Court of Republic of Biafra, Onitsha Judicial Division, the Supreme Court of Nigeria, and others that ruled against the Abo Ani Awgbu community.
Obi specifically cited the July 5, 1967 decision of the High Court of the Republic of Biafra, Onitsha Judicial Division, presided over by Justice W. O. Egbuna in the suit filed by Jerome Okpala and Nwanaka Nwankwo for themselves and on behalf of Umuenu village, Umuawulu against Richard Onyenegbu and five others for themselves and as representing the people of Abo-Ani village, Awgbu, which gave Umuenu village victory.
In the judgement, which bears the suit number 0/41/1963, Justice Egbuna stated: “I have monitored the evidence led by the plaintiffs and I am satisfied that this Aguofu land in dispute belongs to the Umuenu people of Umuawulu and not to the defendants, Abo-Ani Awgbu.”
The court went on to say, “I am also convinced that the plaintiffs have been farming on this land, received a judgement over it in 1928, and have continued to use the land until the defendants trespassed into it.”
He stated that, dissatisfied with the three court decisions, the Abo Ani people went to the Anambra State Boundary Commission, which was chaired by the Deputy Governor, His Excellency, Onyekachukwu Ibezim, and demanded the demarcation of the disputed land.
“At the Commission, we insisted that we are the owners of the land and that the Supreme Court’s decision must be followed because it is still binding law.
“Funny enough, our brother Enugwu community Umuawulu, who supported Abo Ani and testified against us in court that Abo Ani owned the land, has now reversed course and claimed that the land belongs to them, Enugwu, demonstrating that they are backed up by some powerful forces from the state government.
“While we were interfacing with Abo Ani at the meeting presided over by the Deputy Governor, he informed us that he has no business with the Supreme Court judgement and others, and that he has not even gone through the documents we submitted; he only wants the inspection and demarcation of the land in dispute.
“It is clear from the Deputy Governor’s utterances that he is biassed and influenced by the Chief of Staff, who is from Awgbu, and Nkala, a former Director of the Anambra State Boundary Commission, which is why we are calling on Governor Soludo to come to our rescue.
“It is the sacred duty of the Anambra State Boundary Committee to follow and apply the said demarcation as judiciously fixed to accord with the judicially fixed boundary, as anything less will not only amount to the Anambra State Boundary Committee reviewing and reversing the judgement of the competent court, but will also amount to contempt of court,” Obi warned.
In a petition to Governor Soludo, the President and Secretary of Umuenu Umuawulu, Nze Okoye Godwin and Mr. Nwafor Tochukwu, respectively, reminded him of his belief in the supremacy of law, stating that he should not allow any influence from any quarter to cede the land or part of it to both Abo Ani Awgbu and Enugwu Umuawulu because they were trespassers stopped by the courts of the land.
Reiterating the dangers of ceding land to unauthorised communities, the duo urged Governor Soludo to instead invite the Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice to explain the implications of disobeying a court order.
Among those who spoke during the protest was Tochukwu Okoye, 94, who said, “I am surprised that someone who signed witness for another now claims to be the owner of the land; let us think twice. I am calling on Soludo, a peaceful man, to intervene in this situation.”
Chief Johnson Anazonwu Nwafor, 88, stated, “I was cultivating with my father in that land as a child, so I know everything there. We have no problem with Enugwu in that land; only Awgbu people. Our village is peaceful; otherwise, there would be bloodshed in that land as a result of what they are doing to us.”
Mr. Roseline Adobe, a widow, added, “I cultivated yam and cassava, among other things, but they destroyed all of my crops and took my hoe and knife.” “That is the only place I feed my kids.”
According to Mrs Susan Nwaeke Ogbunike, “They stormed into the farm where we were cultivating, chased us away, levelled all my farm, destroyed all my crops, and as a result, my blood pressure rose, and I am still suffering from it today. Governor Soludo, we are requesting your assistance.
Mrs Chinwendu Nwanaka, a widow, said, “I was on my way to get something in my farm when someone told me that everything we cultivated, yam, cassava, cocoyam, was destroyed. When I got there, I could not get anything, and I started crying because no one could help me.”
News
HoR Minority Caucus decries killings in Plateau, Benue states, urges immediate presidential decisive actions

The Minority Caucus in the House of Representatives has expressed serious concerns over killings in Plateau and Benue states demanding immediate presidential decisive actions.
This was contained in a statement jointly signed by leaders of the caucus, Rep Kingsley Chinda, leader, Rt. Hon. (Dr) Ali Isa J.C
Minority Whip ,Rt. Hon. Aliyu Madaki Deputy Minority Leader ,Rt. Hon. George Ozodinobi
Deputy Minority Whip.
The caucus in the statement outrightly condemned the disturbing trend of killings, maiming, and kidnapping of innocent people across the country.
” Following the killings of over 50 people in Bokkos, Plateau state; loss of many lives in twin attacks in Otukpo, Benue state, coming a few days after the Uromi, Edo state unfortunate incident, the Caucus is seriously worried about these growing acts of brigandage and unprovoked attacks on law-abiding citizens.
The Caucus is deeply concerned that with reckless abandon, deliberate disrespect for human lives, and disregard for the constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, these marauders inflict merciless torture, unexplainable pains, and callous killings of helpless, and defenceless Nigerians.
These gruesome murders and the shedding of the blood of innocent lives happening in quick successions in three locations across the country, stands condemnable by every conscionable Nigerian.
The ferociousness and sporadic nature of the vicious actions perpetrated by yet unknown persons remains shocking.
Worried about the dangers this portends to the security of lives and properties of Nigerians; which is the main purpose of government, the Caucus calls on President Bola Tinubu to take deliberate, intentional, and timely decisions towards nipping the disturbing tide in the bud.
Good, he has directed that the perpetrators should be apprehended. However, given the severity of these incidents, and implications on national security, the Caucus urges the president; through the National Security Adviser to ensure that all security agencies embark on comprehensive and strategic collaboration towards arresting those involved in these heinous and gory incidents.
The government should ensure the immediate release of the numerous innocent people that were kidnapped during the dastardly incidents.
The Caucus commiserates with the government, and people of Plateau, and Benue states over the unfortunate incidents. The Caucus also expresses deep condolences to the families of the victims, and pray for the quick release of those kidnapped.
Finally, as a responsive and responsible group of lawmakers, the Caucus promises to pursue legislative actions; where and when necessary towards finding realistic solutions to these negative developments in our country.
News
OERAF held memorial lecture on conflict resolution, security/safety of community in Nigeria

The Olotu and Rowland Ekuogbe Akpodiete Foundation (OERAF) on Tuesday 8th April, 2025 held memorial lecture on conflict resolution and security/safety of community in Nigeria, in honour of late chief Ekuogbe Rowland Akpodiete Ph.D, who was born on April 4th 1924 and passed on April 9th 1995.
The event which took place at the popular Ughelli Kingdom Hall, witnessed several brilliant security experts and government functionalities.
Presenting his brief opening speech, the Executive Director of Olotu and Rowland Ekuogbe Akpodiete Foundation, SPY CSP Olotu Otemu Akpodiete Ph.D (JP) revealed that over the years, the foundation has been touching lives and rendering community impact services across board.
He maintained that his late grand father was a great community leader per excellence and until his death, he was the spoke person (Otota) of the great Ughelli Kingdom. which is why as we celebrate his remembrance, I decided to use the opportunity to impact more lives.” He added.
On his part, the guest speaker of the event, Mr Sylvester Obose, CSS,MNIIS dealt wonderously on the topic.
According to him, Mr Sylvester said the training focuses on the definition, causes of conflict, and dynamics of conflicts.
He further said that the goal was to increase participants knowledge of the concept and study of conflict and conflicts prevention.
He concluded that the safety and security of our community is something that is of paramount importance. By implementing those measures presented to you today, everyone of us stand a better chance of making community safe and secured.
Dr Wilton T. Harry, MIS, CPP,DFCSI,FNIS, also spoke extensively on the same topic during the security training. He posited that the security of lives and properties is a collective responsibility.
The OERAF Executive Director also use the medium to register several others into the Delta State Contributory health insurance scheme.
Dignitaries present during the training were: Olorogun Major Patrick A. Egone Rtd, member Delta State Advisory Council, Chief Emmanuel Ogobene, member Delta State Advisory Council, Mr Edwin Asima, LGSC, Ughelli North Local Government, Chief. Mrs Grace Akpodiete, Deaconess Florence Enughwure, Bar. Agboka Akpodiete- Omale.
Other highlights of the event was the organizing of raffle draws for all the communities present and Ughelli Kingdom VGN, where Erhuwarien Community in Ughelli South LGA and Ekredjebo Community in Ughelli North LGA won security communication gadgets.
News
NLC Warns Abure to Step Aside, Urges LP Members to Be on Standby

By Gloria Ikibah
The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has issued a stern warning to Julius Abure, following the Supreme Court ruling on April 4, 2025, which declared the tenure of Mr. Abure and his National Working Committee (NWC) as expired and no longer legally recognized.
Despite the court’s clear ruling, Mr. Abure has continued to release statements insisting he remains the chairman of the Labour Party (LP). The NLC has strongly condemned his actions, describing them as “an affront” to the rule of law and the authority of Nigeria’s highest court.
In a statement signed by the NLC President, Comrade Joe Ajaero, the Congress accused Abure and his supporters of “crass disdain for decency” and warned that the patience of Nigerian workers and genuine LP members is wearing thin.
“The current affront of Mr. Julius Abure and co-travellers against the law… has convinced those who doubted our earlier position that Mr. Julius Abure and the few miscreants following him have sworn themselves to utter impunity,” the statement read.
The NLC also debunked allegations that it was planning to attack Labour Party offices, calling such claims false and a distraction from the real issue of compliance with the Supreme Court judgment.
“We use this medium to put every Nigerian worker, Labour Party member, and patriotic citizen on alert. We will no longer condone the antics of inconsequential characters like Mr. Julius Abure,” Ajaero said.
He added that the NLC and its allies would not stand by while the rule of law is undermined and urged all genuine members of the Labour Party to prepare to “peacefully repossess all offices of Labour Party nationwide.”
According to the statement, the NLC Political Commission and concerned stakeholders will soon issue directives on how this will be carried out. They also called on security agencies, especially the Nigeria Police and the DSS, to uphold their constitutional responsibilities and support the enforcement of the Supreme Court’s judgment.
The statement also urged the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to fully comply with the court’s ruling by removing all traces of Mr. Abure and his team from its records.
To resolve the current leadership crisis in the Labour Party, the NLC said the remaining institutional members of the party’s National Executive Committee (NEC) are expected to appoint an interim leadership and organize a Special National Convention, as prescribed by the party’s constitution.
“A word is enough for the wise!” Ajaero added.
-
News11 hours ago
Just in: Founder of Diamond Bank and ex-chairman of MTN, Paschal Dozie is dead
-
News18 hours ago
Rainfall washes away newly constructed multi-million naira road in Edo State
-
News2 hours ago
OERAF held memorial lecture on conflict resolution, security/safety of community in Nigeria
-
News18 hours ago
Evangelist Kekere Jesu buried amidst deep sorrow
-
Metro18 hours ago
Stray bullet from VIP convoy kills bystander in Abuja
-
News7 hours ago
TRADE WAR! U.S. angry over Nigeria’s import ban on 25 products
-
News12 hours ago
Naira Nosedives Against Dollar
-
Sports11 hours ago
Real Madrid keeping tabs on Victor Osimhen