-Accuses Him Of Landgrabbing
Tension and palpable fear have reportedly engulfed Umueme Community in Obike, Ngor Okpala Local Government Area of Imo State, following allegations that armed, uniformed men invaded the community in connection with a disputed expanse of ancestral land.
Speaking to journalists during a protest in Umueme Community on Friday, June 12, 2026, community leaders alleged that the armed men were brought into the area by Prince Charles Amadi (Chalvon), a prominent member of the ruling APC in the state, whom they described as a land grabber.
The villagers claimed that the presence of the armed men has heightened insecurity and left residents living in fear for their lives.
Addressing the media, Ezinna Elder Pa Gerald Emegburumonye, the oldest man of Umueko Kindred in Umueme Obike, alleged that Prince Charles Amadi ordered the destruction of over 550 plots of ancestral land known as Ohia Ukwu Okaa Land (a vast stretch of land) located along the Umueme/Elelem Road in Obike, Ngor Okpala.
According to Elder Emegburumonye, the land contains economic trees, palm plantations, cassava farms, and other agricultural investments belonging to members of the community.
Pa Emegburumonye further alleged that excavators and bulldozers were deployed to clear the land despite objections from the indigenous owners.
He maintained that the property has belonged to the Umueko Kindred for generations and remains an inheritance passed down by their forefathers.
Also speaking, a family stakeholder, Mr. Bertram Emegburumonye, expressed shock over what he described as an attempt by an outsider to lay claim to the community’s ancestral land.
He insisted that the disputed property rightfully belongs to the Umueko family and accused Amadi of disregarding native customs and established processes for resolving land ownership disputes.
Women, youths, and other residents who participated in the protest condemned what they described as acts of intimidation allegedly perpetrated by armed men in the area.
They argued that no individual, regardless of wealth, influence, or political connections, should take the law into his own hands or attempt to forcefully acquire land without due process.
The protesters further lamented that proper verification of ownership and adherence to the rule of law should have preceded any transaction involving the disputed property.
They vowed to continue defending what they described as their ancestral heritage and declared their determination not to surrender the land.
In his remarks, the President General of Umueme Community, Dr. Sam Okere, stated that residents are currently living in fear as a result of the lingering land dispute and the activities of armed men within the community.
He expressed concern that the situation could further worsen the fragile security environment in the area if urgent intervention is not made.
Dr. Okere appealed to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Governor Hope Uzodimma, members of the National Assembly, security agencies, and the Inspector General of Police to intervene and ensure the protection of lives and property in the community.
The community leaders called for an impartial investigation into the ownership of the disputed land and urged the authorities to restore peace and prevent a breakdown of law and order in Ngor Okpala Local Government Area.
Effort to reach Charles Amadi for reaction proved abortive as he didnt take his call at the time of filing this report.
