Anambra: Tension Grips Awada Community as Security Squads Invade Landlords’ Office, Abduct Three

A wave of panic swept through the Awada community in Anambra State on Friday evening following a violent raid on the Awada Central Landlords Association office by a joint team of the Special Anti-Touting Squad (SASA) and the Agunechemba Squad, popularly known as Operation Udo Ga-Achi.

According to residents and eyewitnesses, the chaos began after a clash between SASA operatives and local youths on Orsumoghu Street, where SASA officers were accused of harassment and extortion. In a dramatic escalation, the security units allegedly stormed the Landlords Association office, abducting two vigilante members and a female cashier, and causing significant destruction to property.

Eyewitness accounts claim the operatives damaged office doors, windows, motorcycles, and patrol vehicles belonging to the local vigilante unit. They reportedly carted away two English Pump Action rifles, mobile phones, security equipment, and a substantial sum of cash belonging to the association.

Uchechukwu Jude Ukachi, the Chief Security Officer of the association, expressed shock over the incident, describing it as a targeted attack. He said the conflict had no connection to his men, yet their office was invaded, looted, and vandalized. Ukachi explained that his men had only gone to Orsumoghu Street to assess the situation when the SASA operatives redirected their aggression toward the vigilante team.

According to him, SASA operatives returned later to the Landlords Association office in the company of Operation Udo Ga-Achi and ransacked several offices, including those of the secretary, financial secretary, and cashier. He also criticized the arrest of the female cashier, Chinwe, solely based on allegations against her husband, which he said lacked justification.

The Vice Chairman of the association, Chief Walter Ohiri, speaking on behalf of the President, Chief Patrick Oyeduba, accused SASA officers of consistently intimidating and extorting money from residents, claiming they collect sums ranging from N150,000 to N400,000 after arbitrary arrests.

In response, a SASA administrative officer admitted to the invasion but defended the action, stating that the vigilante team had assaulted their men and seized an official vehicle key. He said the search of the office was to recover the key but denied any abductions or extortion.

The incident has raised public concerns about the excesses of state-backed security outfits and calls for accountability. Police spokesperson SP Tochuckwu Ikenga confirmed the event, adding that calm has been restored. He also noted that the police have initiated a dialogue among the involved agencies to resolve the conflict amicably.