The Umuchigbo Iji Nike community in Enugu East Local Government Area has condemned what it described as “gross negligence and inaction” by security agencies and government authorities following a violent clash that claimed two lives and destroyed several homes between October 29 and 30, 2025.
In a statement issued on Sunday, the community chairman, Hon. Godwin Ochu, expressed deep sorrow and outrage over the tragedy, accusing relevant institutions of ignoring multiple warnings and petitions that could have prevented the crisis.
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,”
Hon. Godwin Ochu, Chairman, Umuchigbo Iji Nike Community.
According to Hon. Ochu, the community leadership had, between May and October 2025, submitted several petitions and security alerts to the Department of State Services (DSS), the Commissioner of Police, the Governor of Enugu State, and the Chairman of Enugu East Local Government Area, warning of an impending violent disruption led by Chief Afam Joseph Ogbuene (also known as Akirika) and his alleged associates.
He noted that the warnings, sent through formal letters dated May 14, July 9, September 1, and October 6, 2025, detailed threats, extortion attempts, and plans by the group to usurp the community’s legitimate leadership. Copies of the petitions were reportedly sent to the Governor’s office and the DSS, but no action was taken.
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,” Ochu stated.
When violence erupted on October 29, chaos swept through parts of Umuchigbo Iji Nike. By the next day, two residents were confirmed dead, several others injured, and multiple homes including newly built duplexes were set ablaze. Many victims are still receiving treatment in hospitals.
Elder Emehelu of the Elders Forum of Umuchigbo Iji Nike had on July 31, 2025, reaffirmed Hon. Godwin Ike Ochu as the community’s legitimate chairman and urged all factions to maintain peace.
However, it is noted that Chief Ogbuene’s faction ignored both the elders’ decision and a valid court judgment that had declared his leadership illegitimate, heightening tensions that eventually boiled over into violence.
The community is now calling on the Governor of Enugu State, the Commissioner of Police, and the DSS Director in Enugu to conduct a transparent investigation into the security lapses that allowed the situation to deteriorate.
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,” Ochu added.
Residents have appealed for calm and urged the government to prioritize peacebuilding and justice to prevent further bloodshed in the area.
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