Residents of Obodogba Community in Okpanam, Oshimili North Local Government Area are living in fear as heavily armed Naval officers took over their land, claiming ownership. Many residents are leaving the area to avoid trouble, while the soldiers patrol the community fully armed in readiness for any combat situation.
The Ugoani of Okpanam, HRM Obi Clement Mbanefor, has condemned the actions of the military. He stated that it is illegal for the military to seize community land and begin construction without the people’s approval.
According to the Ugoani, the military has no right to get involved in land disputes. He also warned people to buy land only through the community’s official channels to avoid being scammed or unknowingly purchasing disputed land.
“We are asking the Naval officers to leave the land peacefully because it does not belong to them, it belongs to the people of Obodogba,” he said.
The Chairman of Obodogba Youth, Chukwuma Abumujor, recalled how soldiers from Asaba had previously invaded the community, chased away workers, and occupied the land.
The community has sent a petition to the Chief of Naval Staff, claiming that they are being threatened by armed men allegedly sent by Rear Admiral Vincent Okeke. They accuse him of trespassing, destroying farmland, and damaging properties belonging to the people.
Also, Chief Paul Nwayalani, leader of the Obodogba Community Executive Committee, while describing the ordeal said;
“They want to take our land by force just because they have guns! This land belonged to our ancestors. Other communities still have their land, but ours is the biggest, and they want to take it from us.”
He added that the soldiers bulldozed buildings, destroyed properties, and fired gunshots to scare people away. Last week, they arrived in trucks, chased residents away, and continued demolishing structures.
Allegedly, Engr. Samuel Morah, a consultant on Obodogba Community land said, certain individuals illegally sold the land to a high-ranking Naval officer, Rear Admiral Okeke, without proper ownership verification.
“When I saw the military on the land, I asked them who sent them, but they refused to answer. Instead, they threatened to shoot me. I reported the matter to the military barracks, and when I returned with Army personnel, the Naval officers became angry, started shooting, and chased my vehicle. I had to run for my life!” he recounted.
However, When asked about the incident, the Naval officers on condition of anonymity denied any wrongdoing, claiming they were only following orders from their boss, who had legally purchased the land and already paid for it.
Efforts to reach Rear Admiral Vincent Okeke for his side of the story were unsuccessful, as he refused to answer calls.
The people of Obodogba Community are calling on the government and security agencies to intervene and ensure justice is served. For now, the situation remains tense, as many residents are living in fear.
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