By Dalena Reporters
OGUTA, IMO STATE — Tension is rising between two neighbouring southeastern states as the Egbuoma Autonomous Community in Oguta Local Government Area of Imo State has issued a 30-day pre-legal notice to the Anambra State Government, accusing a vigilante group from Uli, Anambra, of serial cross-border killings, abductions, and property destruction.
In a strongly worded petition dated September 30, 2025, and addressed to Governor Chukwuma Soludo, the Attorney-General of the Federation, and key security officials, the community alleged that the Uli Central Vigilante Group, operating under Anambra’s Ministry of Homeland Affairs and Vigilante Services, had carried out violent raids on Imo territory since 2022.
The petitioners, through their counsel, claimed that no fewer than ten indigenes of Egbuoma have been killed, while several others remain missing after being abducted by the group, also known locally as the Ndikeokwu-Uli outfit. They accused the vigilantes of looting markets, burning houses, torturing villagers, and extorting residents along the Imo–Anambra border.
The community argues that since the group is allegedly supervised and armed under the Anambra State government, Governor Soludo’s administration bears both direct and vicarious liability for the human rights violations.
Quoting Section 46 of the 1999 Constitution and the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights, the petitioners demanded the following within 30 days:
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An end to all cross-border attacks and harassment.
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Immediate release of all abducted community members.
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Arrest and prosecution of the perpetrators.
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Payment of ₦10 billion (ten billion naira) in compensation for loss of lives, trauma, and property damage.
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A public apology from the Anambra Government, to be published in national newspapers and aired on major TV networks.
“If the government fails to act within the stipulated time,” the petition warns, “we shall commence legal action at the Federal High Court to seek redress and hold all parties accountable.”
As of press time, no official reaction had been issued by the Anambra State Government or its Commissioner for Homeland Security regarding the allegations.
Local observers fear the standoff could escalate long-standing border tensions between the two southeastern states, unless both governments step in swiftly to mediate and investigate the claims.