Fresh concerns have been raised over alleged abuse of authority and land disputes in Anambra State following the reported collapse of a widow after she sighted her demolished property in Nkwelle-Ezunaka, Oyi Local
Government Area.
Mrs Amaka Ezechukwu, a widow and kinswoman of the Anambra State Governor, Professor Chukwuma Soludo, was said to have slumped after arriving at the site of her newly completed six-room apartment, which had been pulled down during a demolition exercise at Omalima Layout, Oze, Nkwelle-Ezunaka.
Eyewitnesses said the widow, who hails from Umueze in Isuofia community, Aguata Local Government Area, was revived by bystanders several minutes after she collapsed. About 30 minutes later, she reportedly regained strength and began lamenting the loss of what she described as her only property.
In a viral video monitored by The Guardian, Ezechukwu said the house was built with savings left behind by her late husband. “I built the house. This house is well-fenced. The last money my late husband left in his bank account is what I used to fence the place and build the security post which they have now demolished,” she said amid tears. Identifying herself, she added, “I’m Mrs Amaka Ezechukwu from Isuofia, the same village with Governor Charles Soludo. These people want to grab my land by force.”
She insisted that the land was lawfully acquired, saying, “The land was legally purchased from recognised owners, including my own people in Oyi, and all documents are intact. This is the only property that I have. I want Anambra State Government to come to my help. Governor Soludo should come and help me. This property is what is left for me to use to train and bring up my children.”
Other affected residents and landlords were said to have gathered at the scene, appealing to the state government to intervene and investigate the demolition.
Another landowner and eyewitness, Mrs Karen James, described the incident as “traumatising,” saying residents were now living in fear.
“Innocent residents who lawfully acquired their homes are now living in panic after seeing properties destroyed and lives disrupted,” she said.
She added, “The experience has shattered the sense of safety in the neighbourhood and left many families, including me, sleepless and helpless.”
James called on the Anambra State Government and security agencies to intervene urgently. “We are law-abiding citizens, not criminals. All we are asking for is protection, fairness, and the right to live in our homes without fear,” she said.
According to residents, trouble began at Omalima Layout following what they described as a forceful takeover of disputed land by individuals allegedly acting under the guise of official authority. Eyewitnesses claimed that armed men invaded the area, asserting ownership of several plots and demolishing structures, including properties said to belong to All Saints Anglican Church.
One eyewitness, who identified himself as Nwafor, said the men claimed to be representatives of the Office of the Special Adviser to the Governor on Security under the AVM Department, acting on government orders, an assertion residents described as false.
“Why will some people use the name of government to intimidate others in this state?” he asked.
As of press time, efforts to obtain a response from the relevant government officials were unsuccessful.
@The Guardian
