Ugwuaji youths have accused Enugu State Forest Guard Commander, Dr. Akinbayo O. Olasoji, of allegedly using armed men to harass residents and investors. They also accused the commander of allowing forest guard personnel to intimidate residents and allegedly assist land grabbers.
The youths, under the aegis of Ugwuaji Youths for Peace, called for Olasoji’s immediate removal. They also urged security agencies to investigate the alleged activities of unidentified men carrying AK-47 rifles around Ugwuaji and its forests.
In a statement signed by the group’s chairman, Barr. Ogbodo Nwobodo, on Friday, October 16, 2026, the youths rejected Olasoji’s account of an incident at the Enugu Smart City Estate forest. They insisted that his account failed to reflect residents’ experiences and concerns.
The group’s allegations come amid wider discussions about security and investor confidence in Enugu. Read more about NACCIMA’s position on security and Enugu’s economic ambitions.
Ugwuaji Youths Allege Harassment by Armed Men
The youths condemned what they described as intimidation by unidentified armed men allegedly operating under the guise of forest guard personnel. They claimed the men moved around Ugwuaji without clearly identifiable uniforms while carrying AK-47 rifles.
According to the group, residents had questioned the authority under which the armed individuals operated. The youths also alleged that the men had beaten women and intimidated people over land matters.
“Our people are wondering when forest guards started wielding AK-47 rifles and using their positions to intimidate residents over land matters,” the statement said. The group described the alleged treatment of residents and women as unacceptable.
The youths further questioned whether anyone had deployed the armed men to facilitate land grabbing or illegal land transactions. However, these claims remain allegations that require independent investigation and verification.
The group said security personnel should protect residents rather than create fear within the community. It also insisted that official titles must not shield anyone from accountability for alleged unlawful conduct.
For related coverage, read about the launch of the Violent Crime Response Unit in Enugu.
Group Questions Forest Guard Commander’s Response
Ugwuaji Youths for Peace criticised Olasoji’s response to the reported incident. The group argued that his account did not adequately address residents’ concerns about the armed men and alleged land dealings.
“We find it disturbing that Dr. Olasoji, who should be promoting peace and ensuring that those under his command operate within the law, would issue a statement portraying the situation in a manner that fails to address the suffering of our people,” the statement said.
The youths urged the commander to exercise caution and avoid statements or actions that could heighten tension. They also demanded clear answers about the identities, affiliations and authority of the armed individuals.
The group asked authorities to establish who deployed the men and the chain of command under which they operated. It also wants investigators to determine whether any personnel under Olasoji’s command participated in alleged intimidation or supported private land interests.
The youths stressed that Ugwuaji was not a lawless community. They said residents would not accept alleged harassment, assaults or illegal land dealings without seeking lawful intervention.
Their appeal follows continuing discussions about security and public safety across the state. Residents can also read how Enugu security agencies previously outlined measures to protect residents.
Youths Call for Police, Military Investigation
The group called on the Commissioner of Police in Enugu State, the General Officer Commanding 82 Division of the Nigerian Army, and the Garrison Commander to intervene. It also appealed to the Department of State Services and other relevant security agencies.
The youths want a thorough investigation into the armed men’s activities, the alleged assaults on women and residents, and claims of land grabbing. They also urged investigators to verify the official affiliations of everyone carrying firearms around Ugwuaji’s lands and forests.
The group said photographs and video recordings attached to its statement could help establish what happened. It called on authorities to examine the materials and identify anyone suspected of unlawful conduct.
“Available pictures and video recordings provided should be examined to establish the facts and ensure that those wielding AK-47 rifles are arrested and brought to justice,” the statement said.
The youths also asked security agencies to determine whether any forest guard personnel had intimidated residents or investors. They said the investigation should establish the facts and ensure accountability where wrongdoing is proven.
For additional context on government efforts to strengthen public safety, read about Enugu’s development and security priorities.
Ugwuaji Youths Demand Olasoji’s Removal
The group demanded Olasoji’s immediate removal as Enugu State Forest Guard Commander. It alleged that his actions had undermined peace and conflicted with Governor Peter Ndubuisi Mbah’s vision for the state.
The youths urged the state government to investigate the allegations of land grabbing and illegal land transactions. They also called for measures to ensure that forest guard personnel do not allegedly serve private interests at residents’ expense.
They maintained that residents and investors deserve protection from intimidation. The group said restoring confidence in security arrangements would help reduce tension and protect lives and property.
The statement also emphasised the importance of lawful security operations and responsible conduct by personnel. The youths said carrying firearms or holding a security-related position should not place anyone above the law.
The dispute raises concerns about public confidence, community safety and the protection of legitimate investments. Related coverage includes the Enugu Government’s response to recent political violence allegations.
Group Urges Residents to Remain Peaceful
Despite their allegations, Ugwuaji Youths for Peace urged young people and other residents to remain calm. They cautioned community members against taking the law into their own hands while security agencies investigate the matter.
The group said its demands centred on justice, accountability and respect for residents’ rights. It called on the government and security agencies to protect the community and address the allegations through lawful processes.
The youths also stressed that authorities must establish the identities and official affiliations of the armed men. They said anyone found responsible for unlawful actions should face the appropriate legal consequences.
Their statement concluded with a renewed appeal for urgent intervention to prevent further tension. The group maintained that protecting lives, property and residents’ rights must remain the priority.
Community participation also features in other state initiatives. Read about CSDA’s community sensitisation exercise across six Enugu communities and Rep. Sam Atu’s praise for grassroots development.
The group’s allegations against Olasoji and the unidentified armed men have not been independently established in the statement. An investigation by the relevant authorities would help clarify the incident and determine whether any laws were breached.
Residents and investors will look to the authorities for a response that addresses their safety concerns. The outcome of any investigation could also help restore confidence in security operations around Ugwuaji.
For further reporting on Enugu’s development agenda, see the Nigerian Guild of Editors’ tour of projects in the state and the government’s efforts to expand grassroots development.
The statement was signed by Barr. Ogbodo Nwobodo, chairman of Ugwuaji Youths for Peace, on October 16, 2026.
