Imo Community Threatens ₦10 Billion Lawsuit Against Anambra Government Over Alleged Killings and Abductions by Vigilante Group

Residents of Egbuoma Autonomous Community in Oguta Local Government Area of Imo State have issued a 30-day legal notice to the Anambra State government, threatening to sue over alleged cross-border attacks, abductions, and killings linked to operatives of the Uli Central Vigilante Group based in Ihiala, Anambra State.

In a petition dated September 30, 2025, and addressed to Governor Chukwuma Soludo, the Attorney-General of the Federation, and key security officials in Anambra, the community accused the state-recognised vigilante outfit of grave human rights violations, including killings, torture, and destruction of property since 2022. The petition, signed by their legal representative, Barrister Ezennia Denton Ogbuehi of Crown & Council Law Partners, warned that failure by the government to act within 30 days would result in a lawsuit at the Federal High Court.

According to the petition, at least ten residents of Egbuoma, including Sunday Onyebuchi, Chijioke Mgbeobu, Livinus Mmuo, and Happiness Okorie, were allegedly killed by the vigilante group between 2022 and 2025. The community also reported multiple cases of abductions and extortion, citing the case of one Achiose Odemgbe, released after his family allegedly paid ₦2 million in ransom, and another victim, Kosarachi Ohajiuba, who remains missing.

The petitioners alleged that the vigilante group, operating under Anambra’s Ministry of Homeland Affairs and Vigilante Services, often labels its victims as members of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) or the Eastern Security Network (ESN) to justify extrajudicial killings. They claimed the operatives, known by aliases such as “AK-47,” “Oba Ehi 2/c De Killer,” and “AD De Killer,” openly use mobile numbers for extortion.

The community further alleged that the vigilantes have razed at least ten residential buildings and looted properties belonging to Egbuoma indigenes, including during a daylight raid on Afor-Egbu Market on July 11, 2025. They argued that because the group operates under the supervision of Anambra State authorities, the government bears direct and vicarious liability for their actions.

The petition demanded an immediate end to all cross-border attacks, the release of abducted persons, prosecution of identified perpetrators, and payment of ₦10 billion in compensation for lives lost and properties destroyed. The community also called for public apologies in major national newspapers and on television.

Egbuoma residents said multiple petitions had previously been submitted to Governor Soludo and security officials, but the attacks have continued. They described the ongoing situation as a failure of the government’s constitutional duty to ensure the security and welfare of the people.

Meanwhile, the Anambra State security outfit, Agunaechemba, has reportedly begun investigating the activities of the Ndikeokwu-Uli vigilante group following allegations of widespread abductions and human rights abuses.