Outrage in Anambra Border Community Over Alleged Arrests, Intimidation by Enugu Forest Guards, Seeks Soludo’s Intervention

By Our Reporter

Anxiety is mounting in Ozuu Village, Ndiukwuenu Community, Orumba North Local Government Area of Anambra State, over alleged illegal arrests, intimidation, and detention of residents by forest guards from neighboring Enugu State amid a lingering boundary dispute.

The allegations emerged after an emergency meeting convened by the village leadership to address what residents described as escalating security concerns affecting farmers and local families.

Speaking after the meeting, the leader of Ozuu Village, Chief Onyekachukwu Onwurah, appealed to Governor Chukwuma Charles Soludo to urgently intervene by engaging his Enugu State counterpart to prevent further escalation.

“Our people can no longer farm peacefully. We are appealing to Governor Soludo to intervene urgently and work with the Enugu State Government to restore peace and protect our people,” Onwurah said.

He alleged that several villagers had been arrested and detained while working on their farms, while others had reportedly been abducted or killed during the ongoing dispute.

According to him, Ndiukwuenu has historically remained part of Anambra State, insisting that the boundary separating both states is well established and should be respected.

“This is an issue that requires immediate government attention. Our people deserve protection, justice and the freedom to live and work without fear,” he added.

Chief Onwurah further claimed that some residents arrested in connection with the dispute remain in detention without adequate legal representation, urging the relevant authorities to safeguard their constitutional rights and ensure their safety.

Echoing similar concerns, the Secretary-General of the Ndiukwuenu Town Union, Mr. Tochukwu Eketelu, and the Secretary of the Ozuu Village Association, Prince Mathew Nwankwo, described the situation as disturbing, alleging persistent intimidation of residents and loss of lives.

The community leaders called on the Anambra State Government to establish permanent security posts or a police station in the affected area to reassure residents and prevent further deterioration of the security situation.

Providing historical context to the dispute, the Chairman of the Land Committee of the Ozuu Village Association, Prince Chike Nwankwo, said the community shares boundaries with Umuoru Ugwuoba and Ogbudu Nkwere Inyi in Oji River Local Government Area of Enugu State.

He alleged that tensions intensified after the Anambra State Government identified the area as part of a proposed economic development belt, claiming that Enugu State subsequently asserted ownership of the territory and maintained that Ndiukwuenu falls within its jurisdiction.

The community leadership urged the Anambra State Government to pursue a peaceful resolution through legal, diplomatic, and security channels while ensuring the protection of residents and their farmlands.

As of the time of filing this report, the Enugu State Government and the Enugu State Forest Guard authorities had not publicly responded to the allegations.