Tension as Anambra community claims that criminal gang has taken over two villages

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By Madu Obi

The people of Umuogem and Umueji villages in Ufuma, Orumba North local government area of Anambra State, have cried out to the state government and security agencies for urgent intervention, alleging that they are under siege of armed criminal gangs, which have taken over the area.

In a statement signed by Mr. Chukwuemeka Okeke for the Concerned Ufuma Professionals (CUP), the residents said the gangs have taken control of their forests and roads with a surprising boldness that can baffle any sane society.

According to Okeke, the gangs have been dictating daily life of the people and operating without fear of law enforcement.

"The criminals decide who may go to farms, impose levies before any celebrations can be held, seize mobile phones and remove SIM cards, and order when shops may open or close.

Whether by day or night, they parade around with guns hanging dangerously on their shoulders while villagers cower in fear,” the statement read.

They have seized the community’s palm plantations, appointed their own agents to harvest and sell the produce, and take the proceeds for themselves, to the great pain of the poor villagers”, he said.

He also recounted recent incidents, including the broad daylight theft of a new motorcycle from a young man working as a gatekeeper, the forced removal of all security cameras in the villages, and even a forceful marriage proposal by one of the suspected criminals to a local family’s daughter.

The statement further said: "On August 8, a quarrel between two villagers — Mr. Ikechukwu Ibe and Mr. Chimezie Ifesineke escalated when Ikechukwu allegedly invited the gang to attack his rival.

When they did not find Chimezie at home, the gang threatened to kill all his children and burn his house unless he paid ₦100,000 within days.

They claimed the money was to cover the cost of bullets fired at his home and to pay for Mr. Ikechukwu’s medical treatment. Mr. Chimezie has since been seeking help to raise the amount.

The gang also extorted ₦40,000 from guests at a traditional marriage ceremony last week before allowing the groom’s party to enter the bride’s compound.

They mount roadblocks along the Umuogem–Ogbunka road to enforce compulsory Monday sit-at-home order and fire gunshots indiscriminately. They recently shot a mentally challenged man in the leg for defying the order. The man is still receiving treatment.

They sit in beer parlours and shops with their guns openly displayed like law enforcement officers and operate from forest hideouts known as Iyiakwukwo, Ishingele, Oduga, and Akpunamara, which border Ogbunka, Owerezukala, Awlaw, and Inyi.

We appeal to the government and security agencies to come to our aid before the situation worsens beyond control."