Landowners from the Ogbe-ozona Quarters of Okpanam, located in the Oshimili North Local Government Area of Delta State, expressed their gratitude for the proactive intervention of Inspector General of Police Kayode Egbetokun regarding the alleged illegal seizure of their land.
Community Response
In a statement issued to journalists in Owerri, signed by community leaders including Chief Felix Okafor, Mr. Sunday Nwanze, Mr. Lucky Abuah, and Mr. Chinedu Ofuani, the community emphasized their appreciation for the Inspector General’s commitment to conducting a thorough and transparent investigation into the matter. They noted that this development could potentially put an end to the ongoing criminal activities affecting their community, and they look forward to exposing the illegal actions of those involved.
The landowners expressed concern over the possibility of serious criminal offenses, such as illegal possession of firearms and aggravated murder, being reduced to lesser charges like forceful entry. They characterized such outcomes as compromises that undermine the pursuit of justice, citing strong evidence against the suspects involved.
Legal Support
The community’s legal counsel, Bar Ifeanyi Ejiofor, commented on the Inspector General’s intervention, stating that similar petitions had been submitted to the Chairman of the Police Service Commission and the Attorney General of the Federation, and they are awaiting responses from those bodies. Ejiofor expressed optimism that the recent developments signal a positive change for the Ogbeozoma community, indicating that there may finally be light at the end of the tunnel in their quest for justice.
Background of the Issue
The Inspector General’s directive came in response to a petition dated September 23, 2024, which detailed a series of criminal activities allegedly perpetrated by a notorious land grabber named Chinedu Okeke (also known as Ekwe Ogidi) and his accomplices. The petition outlined disturbing claims of police complicity in the undermining of investigations and highlighted the violent trespassing, property destruction, and murder incidents affecting the Ogbeozoma community.
The landowners noted that certain law enforcement officers had been implicated in aiding the ongoing injustices, which they believe has allowed for the continuous harassment of their peaceful community.
Conclusion
The Ogbe-ozona landowners remain hopeful that the intervention by the Inspector General will lead to meaningful changes in their situation, ensuring their rights are upheld and justice is served against those who have perpetrated violence and land grabbing in their community. The collective voices of the community leaders reflect a determined stand against the injustices they have faced and a commitment to restoring peace and order in Ogbeozoma Quarters.