By Vincent Ujumadu

Awka – A community leader and Vice Chairman of Obunagu Achalla village in Ezinano-Enugu Agidi community, Njikoka Local Government Area of Anambra State, Ozo Obiora Okeke, has alleged that his kinsmen orchestrated his kidnapping for speaking out against corrupt land dealings.

Okeke claimed that his stance against the illegal sale of community land by a group within the Ezinano-Enugu Agidi community led to his abduction in 2023 and 2024.

Speaking on the land dispute, Okeke alleged that four of his kinsmen collaborated with kidnappers in an attempt to eliminate him for standing against their fraudulent activities.

“My first ordeal occurred on October 17, 2023, when they accused me of selling land to Ozo Jeff Nweke of Awka. During my captivity, the kidnappers discovered that I only had ₦22.00 in my bank account, contrary to claims that I profited from the land sales. Realizing the allegations were baseless, they released me,” Okeke recounted.

He added that a second kidnapping occurred in August 2024, shortly after a peace meeting with his community. He was taken to a bush in Urum, Awka North Local Government Area, and later moved to a shrine in Ukwulu, where he was held for three days before being released.

In response to the allegations, the Chairman of Obunagu-Achalla village, Mr. Emeka Ementa, denied involvement in any kidnapping and refuted claims of a conspiracy against Okeke.

Ementa acknowledged that the community had suspended and ostracized Okeke, among others, for allegedly undermining communal interests by aligning with Ezinano Awka in a controversial peace agreement over the disputed land.

“I have no links with kidnappers. The community decided, during a general meeting, to suspend him for sabotaging our unity. It wasn’t a personal decision,” Ementa said.

The disputed land, known as Agu Nawgu, has been a source of contention for years. According to Ementa, the land was originally occupied by Nawgu people but was later conquered by six communities: Awka, Isu, Enugwu Agidi, Nawfia, Amawbia, and Okpuno. The land was divided among these communities, but disputes have persisted.

“The land in question includes our ancestral land, which Awka is now contesting in court. Three court decisions—Awka Court, High Court, and Appeal Court—have ruled in our favor. However, Awka continues to challenge our ownership,” Ementa explained.

Both sides are calling on the Anambra State Government to intervene and bring lasting resolution to the dispute.

Okeke urged the government to address the rising tension, while Ementa emphasized the impact of the dispute on their livelihoods, stating, “We don’t farm anymore because of this land conflict. Enugwu Agidi has suffered enough.”