Tension in Enugu as Ugwuaji youths demand removal of Forest Guard commander
By Chibuzo Obidike | IchieTimes
Tension is rising in Ugwuaji community, Enugu South Local Government Area of Enugu State, as youths demand the removal of the state commander of the National Forest Guard, Dr Akinbayo O. Olasoji, over allegations of harassment, assault on women and involvement in land grabbing. The command has denied authorising any misconduct by its personnel.
The youths, operating under the aegis of Ugwuaji Youths for Peace, have called on the police, Nigerian Army, Department of State Services and other security agencies to investigate the activities of armed men allegedly operating in the community with AK-47 rifles.
In a statement signed by its chairman, Ogbodo Nwobodo, the group alleged that the men had intimidated residents and investors over land matters, while some women were allegedly assaulted. It questioned the identities of the armed men, their authority to operate in the area and the chain of command under which they were deployed.
The youths rejected Olasoji’s account of the incident, arguing that it failed to address their concerns. They demanded his immediate removal and urged the Enugu State Government to investigate alleged land grabbing and illegal land transactions, while ensuring the protection of residents and investors.
The group also called on security agencies to examine photographs and video recordings it said were available to help identify the armed men and establish whether any Forest Guard personnel were involved in the alleged abuses.
However, the National Forest Guard, Enugu State Command, defended its presence in the Ugwuaji–Obeagu forest corridor, saying its Forward Operating Base was established to tackle reported criminal activities, including kidnapping and abduction.
In a statement dated October 17, the command cited reported incidents in May and August 2026 as reasons for maintaining a security presence in the area. It maintained that the deployment was for security purposes and did not authorise land grabbing, intimidation or assault on anyone, including women.
“The security reasons for the deployment must not be overlooked, and no individual may rely on those reasons to excuse misconduct,” the command stated.
The command called for investigations into both the allegations against its personnel and the reported attack on its operatives, urging affected residents to submit evidence to the appropriate authorities.
Despite the growing tension, the youths appealed to residents to remain peaceful and avoid taking the law into their own hands, insisting that the allegations must be investigated and those found culpable held accountable.
The competing claims have raised concerns over security and public confidence in the forest guard operations in the area, with calls for an impartial investigation to establish the facts.
