Ugwuaji Youths for Peace have given Enugu State Forest Guard Commander Dr. Akinbayo O. Olasoji 72 hours to explain the alleged presence of unidentified AK-47-wielding men alongside his personnel in local forests.
The youths also questioned Olasoji’s alleged repeated meetings in the Ugwuaji–Obeagu forest area with Ben Alukwu, whom they identified as a chieftain of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC). They demanded clarification on Alukwu’s official status and alleged involvement in forest operations.
The group issued the ultimatum in a counter-statement responding to a statement by the National Forest Guard, Enugu State Command, dated October 17, 2026. The youths accused the commander of failing to address their concerns about alleged harassment, assault and land grabbing.
The latest development follows the group’s earlier demand for Olasoji’s removal over similar allegations. Read the report on how Ugwuaji youths accused the Forest Guard commander of harassment and demanded his removal.
Youths Demand Explanation Over Armed Individuals
In a statement signed by Barr. Ogbodo Nwobodo on behalf of Ugwuaji Youths for Peace, the group said the command’s response diverted attention from the specific allegations.
The youths acknowledged the need to protect residents against kidnapping and other crimes. However, they insisted that security operations must remain transparent and accountable.
They asked Olasoji to identify the individuals allegedly carrying AK-47 rifles alongside Forest Guard personnel. They also demanded details of the individuals’ recruitment, training, authorisation and chain of command.
Furthermore, the group questioned the legal basis for the alleged deployment of the armed individuals. It requested relevant deployment records and documentation authorising them to carry firearms.
The youths said previous security incidents could not automatically justify every subsequent operation. They maintained that authorities should investigate each allegation independently and establish the facts.
The issue comes amid wider security concerns in Enugu State. Recently, the Inspector-General of Police launched a Violent Crime Response Unit in Enugu to strengthen responses to serious crimes, including kidnapping and armed robbery.
Group Questions Alukwu’s Alleged Role in Forest Meetings
The youths also challenged Olasoji to explain Alukwu’s alleged repeated presence with him in the forests. They asked whether Alukwu held an official appointment with the National Forest Guard or another security agency.
According to the group, the commander should clarify the purpose of the alleged meetings and identify everyone who participated. They also requested records establishing the authority under which the visits allegedly occurred.
The statement said the group knew Alukwu as an NDC chieftain. However, it questioned whether he had any recognised security role that permitted him to participate in forest operations.
The youths argued that the command should provide verifiable information rather than general explanations about forest security. They said identifying authorised personnel would help address residents’ concerns.
Political tensions have also drawn attention to security and accountability in the state. In a separate development, opposition candidates demanded an investigation into alleged attacks on political members and requested a 14-day police report on political violence.
Meanwhile, the state government has offered its account of recent incidents involving the NDC. Read the report on how the Enugu Government addressed the NDC airport and secretariat incidents.
Youths Reject Response Citing Previous Security Incidents
Ugwuaji Youths for Peace faulted the commander for referring to past kidnapping incidents and an alleged attack on Forest Guard personnel. They said those explanations did not directly answer questions about the unidentified armed men or Alukwu’s alleged presence.
The group maintained that residents and investors had the right to question armed individuals operating within their environment. It also insisted that demanding accountability did not amount to undermining legitimate security operations.
The youths challenged Olasoji to refute the allegations with verifiable evidence if they were false. They further demanded that the command identify any authorised personnel through appropriate official channels.
The group said authorities should investigate whether the individuals were legitimately deployed. It also urged the commander to explain why unauthorised persons, if any, were allegedly operating alongside Forest Guard personnel.
Enugu security agencies have previously assured residents that they would work to protect lives and property. Those assurances featured in a report on security agencies’ preparations for a peaceful local government election.
In another operation, police reported the arrest of five suspects and the recovery of firearms and ammunition. The report details the Enugu Police operations against suspected violent crime.
Ultimatum Sets Out Five Questions
The group gave Olasoji 72 hours from receipt of its statement to respond publicly to five key issues.
First, it demanded the identities, official status and authorisation of the individuals allegedly carrying AK-47 rifles alongside Forest Guard personnel. Second, it requested clarification on the legal authority for their deployment and possession of firearms.
Third, the youths sought details of Alukwu’s identity, official capacity and alleged role during the forest meetings. Fourth, they demanded confirmation of whether he held an appointment or authorisation with the Forest Guard or another security agency.
Finally, they asked the commander to explain the purpose of the alleged joint visits and provide official records supporting their legitimacy.
The group rejected what it described as general explanations about kidnapping, forest security and the establishment of a Forward Operating Base. It insisted that the commander should answer each question directly.
The demand also raises questions about public oversight and the conduct of security personnel. The CLEEN Foundation’s call for an agency to implement Enugu’s VAPP Law reflects wider calls for stronger institutional accountability in cases involving alleged abuses.
Youths Threaten Petition to NSA and Defence Minister
Ugwuaji Youths for Peace warned that failure to respond within the 72-hour period would prompt a formal petition. They said they would submit available supporting evidence to the Office of the National Security Adviser, the Minister of Defence and other relevant investigative authorities.
The group said it had prepared documents and evidence concerning the allegations against Olasoji and Alukwu. It also said it would consider other lawful avenues to secure accountability and protect residents and investors.
The youths reiterated that they supported lawful security operations against kidnapping and other criminal activities. However, they insisted that no public official or security institution should be exempt from scrutiny.
They maintained that the same standards of accountability expected of residents should apply to personnel entrusted with public safety. The group also called for a thorough investigation to establish the facts.
Community participation remains important in addressing local concerns. For instance, the CSDA and Rep. Sam Atu recently toured seven Enugu South communities, including Ugwuaji and Obeagu-Ugwuaji, for community engagement and development planning.
The Community and Social Development Agency’s grassroots programmes have also highlighted the importance of involving residents in local development.
Other state initiatives have focused on community needs through sensitisation exercises across six Enugu communities.
The state has also pursued broader economic and infrastructure plans. Governor Peter Mbah recently urged the South East Development Commission to prioritise regional railways, gas pipelines and industrialisation.
Meanwhile, political parties in Enugu have signed agreements aimed at promoting peaceful participation. The seven-party peace accord ahead of the September 26 local government election called on political actors to avoid violence and respect the electoral process.
Ugwuaji Youths for Peace concluded by demanding answers rather than what they described as diversion or intimidation. They said their objective was to protect residents, safeguard investors and ensure that security operations follow the law.
The allegations against Olasoji, Alukwu and the unidentified armed individuals have not been independently established in the statement. Responses from the individuals concerned and findings from the relevant authorities would help clarify the claims.
