The Ogbe-Ozoma community of Okpanam in Oshimili North Local Government Area, Delta State, has petitioned the Inspector General of Police (IGP) and the Minister of Defence, alleging that soldiers and policemen invaded their land and destroyed properties on December 11, 2025.
According to the petition, the attack was allegedly orchestrated by Chief Chinedu Okeke, also known as Ekwe-Ogidi, and carried out with the support of over 40 armed policemen and soldiers. The community’s counsel, human rights lawyer Barrister Ifeanyi Ejiofor, described the incident as a “bloody, unlawful and brazen attack.”
The alleged invasion coincided with a hearing of an ongoing land dispute, AKW/118/2025, before the High Court of Akwukwu-Igbo. The presiding judge, Justice K. O. Okpu, had reportedly warned all parties to maintain peace and respect the authority of the court.
The petition claimed that the attack resulted in the destruction of properties valued at over N1 billion, with the armed officers providing operational cover and logistical support for what the community described as a private land-grabbing mission.
The Ogbe-Ozoma community accused the officers of violating the IGP’s directive against police involvement in land matters, abusing state security resources, undermining judicial authority, and setting a dangerous precedent that could trigger communal crises.
The community called for a swift and transparent investigation to identify all officers involved, determine the authority behind their deployment, and hold them accountable. They also demanded the restoration of law and order on the affected land and appealed for protection, emphasizing that they had refrained from reprisals to prevent escalation.
In their statement, the community stressed their commitment to peace and due process but warned against remaining passive in the face of “weaponised impunity under the shield of state uniforms.” They urged the IGP, the Defence Minister, and other authorities to intervene promptly to safeguard lives, properties, and public trust in Nigeria’s security institutions.
