The Executive Chairman of Etche Local Government Council, Chief Chima Boniface Njoku, has raised an alarm over an alleged armed invasion of Edegelem Community in Igbo Etche, Etche Local Government Area of Rivers State.
According to a statement issued by the Chief Press Secretary to the Chairman, Dagogo Isaac, the incident involved a man identified as Corporal Bright Chimezie and four other armed individuals who reportedly stormed the community in an attempt to forcefully take over community land.
The statement said the suspects fired gunshots, causing fear and panic among residents.
Preliminary investigations by local authorities indicated that Corporal Chimezie is suspected to be impersonating a Nigerian Army personnel.
Checks with military formations within and around the area reportedly confirmed that he is not a serving member of the Nigerian Army.
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Further findings revealed that Chimezie is neither an indigene of Edegelem Community nor does he have any legal or customary claim to the land in dispute.
The statement also alleged that the four other armed men involved in the incident are soldiers currently deployed on security duty at Bogel Oil Services, located within the area.
Reacting to the development, Chief Njoku said the Etche Local Government would not tolerate land grabbing, intimidation, or any form of lawlessness against its communities. He assured residents that the council would take all necessary steps to identify, arrest, and prosecute those responsible for the incident.
“Etche must be free from land grabbing and lawlessness,” the council chairman said.
He reaffirmed the council’s commitment to protecting the lives, property, and ancestral lands of the people of Etche, adding that the local government would continue to work with relevant security agencies to ensure peace, security, and justice in the area.
