Residents of Victory Estate, along Airport Road in Rumuosi, Rivers State, have accused some police officers of aiding notorious land grabbers and armed groups in a series of violent attacks, harassment, and illegal demolitions in the community.
In a petition made available to journalists, the estate’s chairman, Mr. Mondale Igbinedion, and secretary, Mr. Austin Anachor Omunakwe, alleged that the perpetrators — identified as Col. Ogwumerum Eke (rtd.), Lord C. Nwosu, Chima Providence Dike, and Chief Mike Oyiakhira, also known as Edo 1 — have repeatedly invaded the estate with armed men.
The residents claimed that perimeter fences and ongoing construction projects were destroyed during the raids, while lawful occupants were assaulted, harassed, and in some cases injured. They further alleged that the group often brandishes a customary court judgment that has no relation to Victory Estate lands, using it as cover to intimidate property owners.
Citing a report from the Rivers State Surveyor General, the petitioners insisted that Victory Estate is separate from the disputed land referenced by the alleged land grabbers.
“What is most disturbing,” the petition stated, “is that police officers, whose duty is to protect lives and property, are being used to shield these individuals, thereby emboldening them to commit more atrocities.”
The residents called for an urgent investigation into the matter, the withdrawal of police protection allegedly granted to the suspects, and firm action to guarantee the safety of lawful property owners.
