By Chinedum Treasure
Landlords and landowners in Okpuruland, Eziumunya village, Umunya, Oyi LGA of Anambra State, have protested alleged harassment, extortion, and destruction of property by the village caretaker chairman, Chigozie Nweke, and his associates.
The protesters accused Nweke of imposing illegal levies, seizing building materials, and intimidating workers, actions they say have disrupted development in the area. They called on Chukwuma Soludo to intervene.
Chairman of the landlords’ association, Stephen Oforleh, alleged that developers are being forced to pay up to ₦500,000, while truck drivers are charged between ₦10,000 and ₦20,000 to deliver materials. He insisted such levies were never collected in the past, stressing that Okpuruland is traditionally exempt.
Community leaders and stakeholders backed the claims, describing the actions as a violation of long-standing customs and warning of a potential breakdown of law and order.
However, Nweke denied the allegations, maintaining that the levies are legitimate and not new.
Tags: Anambra, Umunya, Landlords protest, Illegal levies, Property damage, Community crisis, Chukwuma Soludo, Oyi LGA, Nigeria news
