From Jude Chinedu, Enugu
The International Society for Civil Liberties and Rule of Law (Intersociety) has raised the alarm over an imminent inter-communal war between Uli community in Ihiala Local Government Area of Anambra State and Egbuoma community in Oguta Local Government Area of Imo State.
In a petition dated Friday, 25 July 2025, and addressed to Dr Ikioye Orutugu, Commissioner of Police, Anambra State, and Prince Ken Emeakai, Special Adviser to Governor Charles Soludo on Community Security, Intersociety accused the Ndikeokwu-Uli Vigilante Group of spearheading attacks marked by killings, abductions, extortion, enforced disappearances, and arson.
The petition, signed by Emeka Umeagbalasi, Lead Researcher and Head of Intersociety, along with senior officials of the group, called for the immediate disbandment of the vigilante outfit and prosecution of its leaders.
“The Ndikeokwu-Uli Vigilante Group has turned into a killer outfit. It crosses boundaries into the Egbuoma community, abducts residents, extorts millions of naira in ransom, and kills those who cannot meet their demands.
“We demand the release of victims like Citizen Kosarachi Ohajuba, abducted since 20 June 2025, with a ₦2 million ransom placed on his head,” Umeagbalasi said.
Intersociety warned that the patience of Egbuoma residents is “running out,” and failure to act could trigger violent retaliation and escalate into a full-blown communal war.
The petition highlighted a record of killings allegedly carried out by the vigilante group, listing 10 victims from Egbuoma, including Chijioke Mgbeobu (March 2023), Sunday Onyebuchi (September 2022), Livinus Mmuo (May 2023), and Chidi Ohanyele (January 2024).
“Citizen Achiose Odemgbe was abducted on 29 July 2024 and held for more than three weeks until his family paid ₦2 million for his release. In many cases, victims disappear even after ransoms are paid,” the petition read.
Intersociety also linked fleeing Fulani herdsmen to the 24 July 2025 massacre of at least 28 Christians in Umualaoma and Arondizuogu communities of Ideato North, Imo State.
“The attackers, dressed in military camouflage and riding motorcycles, struck between 8:00pm and 9:20pm, killing 12 people at Nkwo-Umualaoma Square, including a tailor, Ms Chiamaka Omego, and Obinna and his wife, shot dead in front of their restaurant.
“They moved on to kill 18 more across neighbouring villages before escaping through nearby forests,” Umeagbalasi disclosed.
The group also called for urgent intervention to rescue six Anambra-born lawyers kidnapped while travelling to the Nigerian Law School campus in Yola, Adamawa State.
The victims, Rev Ernest Okafor, Ogbuka Fabian, Nwamma Philip, Okechukwu Obadiegwu, Obalem Emmanuel, and Obiorah David, were reportedly abducted between Benue and Taraba States, with their captors demanding ₦120 million (₦20 million each) for their release.
“Anambra cannot afford to lose these brilliant young lawyers whose future value to the state is immeasurable. We urge the Commissioners of Police in Anambra, Benue, and Taraba States, alongside Governor Soludo, to ensure their immediate and safe rescue,” he said.
The petition urged the Anambra State Government to take decisive steps, including sealing the camps of the Uli vigilante group, to prevent further bloodshed.
“Failure to act now could plunge the area into a violent communal crisis. We have presented detailed evidence of the killings, abductions, and extortions. The authorities must not delay in bringing justice to the victims,” Umeagbalasi warned.
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