News
Scores Of Buildings Destroyed As Land Dispute Rocks Anambra Community
By Okey Maduforo Awka
Several Buildings have been allegedly destroyed and some residents attacked by suspected touts following fresh land dispute at Omalima Layout, Oze Nkwellezunaka community in Oyi local government area of Anambra state.
The incident according to residents of the area is alleged to have been masterminded by government officials which also led to an attack on a journalist who came on Investigation over the matter .
Homes and perimeter fences were reportedly destroyed, creating fear, confusion, and distress among residents.
This development triggered a spontaneous protest by community members who demanded immediate government intervention to halt what they described as an illegal and forceful land takeover.
The Chairman of the Estate, Chief Moses, whose property was also affected, lamented the destruction and intimidation suffered by landowners.
According to him, residents purchased their lands legally and possess valid documentation to prove ownership. In his words:
“Our people are crying; their houses and fences have been destroyed. We bought this land legally and have all our documents intact. We are begging the state government to come to our rescue.”
Of further concern is the reported attack on a correspondent of Pechilly Investigative Media during an on-site investigation.
The journalist was allegedly confronted by some men who claimed they had instructions “not to allow anyone” into the disputed area.
Such actions, if true, represent a direct assault on press freedom and the public’s right to know.
One of the men that took part in the alleged demolition boasted that they have orders to storm the area.
He further alleged that the operation involved claimed that government officials gave them the powers to take action.
” These assertions have understandably sparked outrage among residents, who fear that government institutions may be being misused to intimidate private citizens.
One affected landowner, identified as Chidi, emotionally recounted his ordeal, stating that even the property of All Saints Anglican Church in the area was demolished.
He questioned why the name of the government should be used to dispossess law-abiding citizens of their property, describing the act as cruel and unjust.
Your Excellency, the people of Omalima Layout are not questioning your commitment to justice, due process, and the rule of law—values your administration is widely known for. Rather, they are appealing to you to intervene swiftly to prevent further breakdown of law and order, restore public confidence, and protect innocent citizens from abuse of power.
The residents in a petition to Governor Charles Soludo prayed that the matter be investigated and culprits brought to book.
“Order an immediate and independent investigation into the alleged invasion and destruction of property.
“Identify and hold accountable any individuals or officials found to be acting outside the law while invoking government authority.
“Verify land ownership records through the appropriate legal and administrative channels”
“Ensure the protection of residents, journalists, and religious institutions, and restore peace to the affected community.
They expressed fears that should government fails to take decisive actions , it may lead to breakdown of law and order.
“Failure to act promptly may escalate tensions and undermine public trust, potentially tarnishing the image of an administration built on transparency, reform, and accountability”
“The people fear that continued silence could embolden further illegal actions and provoke unrest.
“Your Excellency, Anambra citizens look to your leadership at this critical moment. We trust that your intervention will bring clarity, justice, and lasting peace to Oze Nkwelle-Ezunaka and reaffirm the principle that no one is above the law”the petitioners stated .
By Okey Maduforo, Awka
One person has been confirmed dead while three others sustained injuries following the collapse of a three-storey building in Oko, Orumba North Local Government Area of Anambra State.
The building, which reportedly housed students of the Federal Polytechnic, Oko, collapsed on Sunday night, trapping some occupants beneath the rubble.
The injured survivors were rescued and taken to Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University Teaching Hospital and St. Michael’s Hospital, Oko, where they are currently receiving treatment.
Meanwhile, the Anambra State Government has sealed off the site of the collapsed building, reaffirming its commitment to stricter enforcement of physical planning regulations and the elimination of unsafe construction practices.
The Commissioner for Physical Planning and Urban Development, Barrister Chijioke Ojukwu, said preliminary findings indicated structural failure as the likely cause of the collapse.
He announced the immediate closure of the site pending comprehensive investigations and structural integrity assessments.
Ojukwu said the incident would mark a turning point in the enforcement of building regulations across the state, warning that owners and developers of defective or non-compliant structures would face sanctions.
He added that ongoing construction projects would also be subjected to stricter inspections.
The Commissioner for Works, Arc. Okey Ezeobi, said technical investigations were ongoing to determine the exact cause of the collapse, adding that a team of professionals had been deployed to conduct a comprehensive structural evaluation.
Ezeobi assured residents that recommendations arising from the investigation would be implemented to strengthen the state’s building control system, prevent future occurrences and ensure that anyone found culpable is prosecuted in accordance with the law.
The Commissioner for Health, Dr Afam Obidike, said medical personnel and ambulances were immediately deployed to the scene to provide emergency care for the injured.
He said the Ministry of Health worked closely with other emergency response agencies throughout the rescue operation.
Obidike commended the swift and coordinated response of the Anambra State Government and emergency agencies, describing it as crucial to the rescue efforts and the timely medical treatment of the victims.
The Mayor of Orumba North Local Government Area, Rtd. Capt. Casmir Nwafor, also praised the rapid intervention of the state government and emergency responders, noting that their coordinated efforts helped contain the situation and minimise further risks.
Nwafor urged developers, property owners, institutions and residents to strictly comply with approved building regulations and safety standards, reaffirming the local government’s support for the enforcement of physical planning laws.
An eyewitness, Prince Ifeanyi Ezefunamba, said the building, reportedly occupied by students of the Federal Polytechnic, Oko, collapsed at about 10:00 p.m. after occupants heard cracking sounds and began evacuating.
He said one survivor, Miss Chioma Akabike, narrowly escaped moments before the building collapsed, while rescue operations commenced immediately.
A traveller who arrived in Abuja aboard an Enugu Air flight has praised the airline for its service, describing the flight as smooth, calm and comfortable despite unfavourable weather conditions.
The traveller, Wordshot Amaechi Ugwele, in a viral social media post said Enugu Air had become a source of pride for the South-East and had significantly improved connectivity between Enugu and other parts of Nigeria.
Ugwele said the airline’s expansion to destinations including Benin and Kano had made air travel more accessible to residents of the region.
He said, “Today, our people can also fly directly from Enugu to Kano, a travel convenience that would have seemed unimaginable not too long ago, until Enugu Air made it a reality.”
Ugwele also commended Enugu State Governor, Peter Ndubuisi Mbah, for what he described as his vision, meticulous planning and disciplined execution in driving development across the state.
According to him, the governor’s achievements in infrastructure, connectivity and economic transformation had contributed to Enugu’s emergence as one of Nigeria’s fastest-growing states.
He said the establishment and expansion of Enugu Air demonstrated the administration’s commitment to improving transportation and connecting Enugu with other parts of the country and beyond.
Prophetess Ezinne Nwanorue, a Nigerian preacher based in Canada, has sparked controversy online after appearing to celebrate the death of her mother-in-law in a social media post that has drawn widespread criticism.
The cleric shared the funeral poster of the deceased, Comfort Nwanorue, on Facebook on Monday, accompanying it with remarks in which she accused her late mother-in-law of being responsible for some of the challenges she had faced in the past.
Ezinne claimed she had endured years of spiritual attacks and persecution, saying she believed God had exposed those she held responsible for her struggles.
She also issued stern warnings to individuals she described as agents of evil, urging them to repent.
Her comments triggered a wave of reactions on social media, with many users criticising her for publicly expressing what they perceived as joy over the death of a family member.
The incident has also renewed public interest in Ezinne’s marriage to Franklin Nwanorue, which previously made headlines over a controversial fidelity oath he took before relocating to Canada.
Before leaving Nigeria, Franklin reportedly recorded a video in which he pledged to remain faithful to his wife, declaring that he should die if he ever cheated on her after relocating abroad.
However, Ezinne later accused her husband of violating the oath, alleging in a separate Facebook post that he had become involved with another woman despite his public declaration.
As of the time of filing this report, Franklin Nwanorue and other members of his family had yet to publicly respond to Ezinne’s latest social media post.
The detained leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu, has formally terminated the services of his longtime personal lawyer, Barrister Ifeanyi Ejiofor, directing him to stop representing him, his family or IPOB in any capacity.
In a letter dated July 22, 2026, and written from the Sokoto Correctional Centre, Kanu said Ejiofor’s engagement as his personal legal representative had previously been terminated verbally, adding that the latest letter served as formal written confirmation of the decision.
Kanu also withdrew any authority previously granted to Ejiofor to act for or represent IPOB, insisting that the lawyer no longer had any express, implied or ostensible authority to speak or act on behalf of the group.
Citing Section II, Subsection A of the IPOB Code of Conduct, Kanu said the power to appoint, suspend or dismiss principal officers rests exclusively with the IPOB leader unless expressly delegated.
He argued that no individual, committee or former office holder acting outside the provisions of the IPOB Code of Conduct could validly appoint or retain legal representatives for the organisation.
Kanu directed Ejiofor to immediately stop making public statements, granting interviews, issuing press releases or publishing social media posts on behalf of him, his family or IPOB.
He also instructed the lawyer to stop presenting himself as his legal representative or that of IPOB in any court, forum or public space, and to take the necessary legal steps to withdraw from any pending matters in which he remains counsel of record.
See also: Nnamdi Kanu engages new legal team as terrorism trial begins today
In the letter, Kanu warned Ejiofor against disclosing or misusing confidential information obtained during their lawyer-client relationship.
“Accordingly, I hereby place you on formal notice that you are not authorised to disclose, publish, communicate, exploit, or otherwise use any confidential or privileged information acquired in the course of your retainer, whether directly or indirectly, for any purpose whatsoever, except as required by law or by order of a court of competent jurisdiction, without my express written authorisation.
“Any unauthorised disclosure or misuse of privileged information may constitute professional misconduct and may give rise to disciplinary proceedings before the Legal Practitioners Disciplinary Committee, as well as any other remedies available under the law.”
Kanu further cautioned that any breach of client confidentiality or unauthorised disclosure of privileged information could amount to professional misconduct and attract disciplinary proceedings before the Legal Practitioners Disciplinary Committee (LPDC), in addition to other legal remedies available under Nigerian law.
I tightened the language, removed repetition and improved the flow while retaining the substance of the original report.
Rescue operations are ongoing following the late-night collapse of a three-storey building known as Elite Five Star Lodge, located beside Tonimas Filling Station in Amokpala, Oko, Orumba North Local Government Area of Anambra State.
The building collapsed on Sunday night, July 26, 2026, trapping some occupants beneath the rubble.
According to the Anambra State Police Command, a police-led joint security team was immediately deployed to the scene following a distress report.
The state Police Public Relations Officer, PPRO, SP Tochukwu Ikenga, disclosed this in a statement made available to newsmen on Monday.
Ikenga said, “On receipt of the distress report, the police, in collaboration with other security agencies, immediately mobilised to the scene, secured the area to prevent further danger, and coordinated rescue efforts.
“The Anambra State Fire Service and the Anambra State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA) also responded promptly and joined in the rescue operation.
“The Command notes that rescue operations are ongoing to reach other persons who may still be trapped, as the number of casualties or affected persons cannot yet be confirmed.
“Also, some injured victims have been rescued from the debris and evacuated to a hospital in Oko, where they are currently receiving medical attention.
“To this end, members of the public, especially residents in the area, are urged to remain calm, avoid spreading unverified information, and stay away from the scene to allow emergency responders unrestricted access.
“Further updates will be communicated as more verified information becomes available.”
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