A long-standing land dispute between Etiti Ngwo in Udi Local Government Area and Umuku‑Apuke in Enugu South LGA has tragically claimed another life, despite existing court judgments that have affirmed ownership of the land in question.
The latest victim, identified as Sochima Onoh, was reportedly killed in cold blood during a violent ambush carried out by individuals from the opposing community, according to local sources.
Court Judgments Ignored
Residents of Etiti Ngwo allege that despite rulings from both the Court of Appeal and the Supreme Court of Nigeria which upheld their ownership of the disputed land rival groups have continued to defy the law, demolish properties, and encroach on their territory.
“They began demolishing our properties just hours after we left a boundary committee meeting with the Deputy Governor,” said Eze Daniel Onyejuwaka, Chairman of Etiti Ngwo Central community.
He explained that on July 10, 2025, the Enugu State Boundary Committee, chaired by the Deputy Governor, reaffirmed the Supreme Court judgment. But the violence escalated immediately afterward.
“That same day, they ambushed us and killed Sochima in cold blood,” Onyejuwaka added.
Accusations and Allegations
Community leaders have also accused the Managing Director of Enugu State Geographic Information System (ENGIS), Mr. Chiwetalu Nwatu, of aggravating the situation by allegedly issuing double allocations and empowering the rival group to reoccupy the contested land.
“We have lost three lives on this land Oliver Onoh, Sochima Onoh, and even my own father. This is a crisis that could have been avoided if the court rulings were respected,” Onyejuwaka lamented.
Despite their loss, the Etiti Ngwo community insists they will remain law-abiding and are appealing to the Governor of Enugu State, the Attorney-General, and the judiciary to ensure justice is enforced.
Eyewitness Account
An eyewitness, Obinna Onyia, tearfully recounted the fatal moment:
“We were running back when people in black attacked us. My friend Sochima fell, ran into the bush, and tried to hide. They found him and shot him. I saw it happen, but I couldn’t do anything.”
Police Confirm Incident
The Enugu State Police Command confirmed the killing through spokesperson SP Daniel Ndukwe.
“On July 12, 2025, at around 3:35 pm, police received a distress report from Isiama Agu‑Ovolo, Etiti Ngwo. The body of Onoh Sochima was found with suspected gunshot wounds and has been deposited in the mortuary,” he stated.
Preliminary investigations confirm the incident is linked to the ongoing land conflict. Police have urged both communities to remain calm and avoid further violence, as full investigations are underway.
Community Appeals for Justice
The Etiti Ngwo community continues to call on the state government and judicial system to take urgent action:
“All we ask is for the law to be upheld. We are not asking for special treatment — only justice,” said Onyejuwaka.
As tensions simmer, the death of Sochima adds to the growing number of casualties in what has become one of Enugu’s most tragic and unresolved communal crises.
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