The leadership and people of Umuchigbo Iji Nike Community, Enugu State, have expressed deep sorrow and outrage over the tragic loss of lives and destruction of property following the violent clash that erupted in the community on October 29–30, 2025, leading to the death of two residents, injuries to several others, and the burning of multiple homes.
In a statement issued Sunday by the Community Chairman, Hon. Godwin Ochu, the community squarely blamed the negligence and inaction of relevant security agencies and government authorities for the escalation of the crisis—despite several formal warnings and petitions issued months before the tragedy.
“We are devastated by the loss of innocent lives that could have been avoided if those entrusted with the duty to protect lives and property had acted on time,”
Background of Prior Warnings Ignored
Hon. Ochu, who was declared the legitimate Chairman of Umuchigbo Iji Nike by Judgment of the Enugu State High Court, revealed that from May 2025 to October 2025, his office made repeated official reports and petitions to the Department of State Security Services (DSS), the Commissioner of Police, the Governor of Enugu State, and the Chairman of Enugu East Local Government Area, alerting them of plans by one Chief Afam Joseph Ogbuene (alias “Akirika”) and his gang to cause unrest, extort residents, and violently usurp the legitimate community leadership.
1. On May 14, 2025, a formal petition was sent to the Commissioner of Police, detailing threats, extortion, and plans by Chief Afam Ogbuene and Chief Dominic Ekete Jr. to unleash mayhem on the community.
2. On July 9, 2025, a letter was sent to the Chairman of Enugu East Local Government Area Council, warning of the same threats and plots to disrupt peace and undermine the elected community executive.
3. On September 1, 2025, the said Community Chairman petitioned the DSS Enugu State Office, with copies sent to the Governor of Enugu State, urging urgent intervention to forestall impending communal clash and mayhem.
4. On October 6, 2025, another letter was addressed to the Governor through his Chief of Staff, highlighting the attempt by the said group to unlawfully usurp the office of the community chairman, despite an existing court order affirming the legitimacy of Hon. Ochu’s leadership.
Tragically, none of these warnings elicited action.
Failure of Law Enforcement and Resulting Tragedy
Despite the written appeals and multiple security notifications, no preventive steps were taken by the authorities. On October 29, 2025, violence broke out, confirming the earlier warnings.
By October 30, two lives had been lost, dozens of homes— including newly built duplexes—were burnt, and many residents sustained serious injuries, with several still receiving treatment in hospitals.
“This tragedy is not an accident; it is the direct consequence of institutional failure. The DSS, the police, and even local authorities ignored our petitions. If they had acted promptly, we would not be mourning today,” Hon. Godwin Ochu stated.
Community Elders’ Position and Legal Backing
The Elders Forum of Umuchigbo Iji Nike, in a resolution dated July 31, 2025, had publicly recognized Hon. Godwin Ochu as the legitimate chairman of the community and urged all parties to maintain peace and respect lawful authority.
Despite this, Chief Afam Ogbuene and his group continued to defy both the Elders’ decision and a valid court order, escalating tensions until the deadly confrontation occurred.
Call for Accountability and Justice
The Umuchigbo Iji Nike community is calling on the Governor of Enugu State, the Commissioner of Police, and the Director of DSS Enugu State to launch a transparent investigation into why the multiple warnings and petitions were ignored and to ensure that those responsible for the loss of lives and destruction are brought to justice.
“We cannot allow this level of negligence to go unaccounted for. Our community deserves protection, not silence. We demand urgent intervention to restore confidence, rebuild destroyed homes, and bring the culprits to book,”
— Hon. Godwin Ochu emphasized.
