Community leaders and stakeholders of Enuogu Autonomous Community, Nkerefi, in Nkanu East Local Government Area of Enugu State, have called on the police, Department of State Services (DSS) and other security agencies to investigate alleged threats and other activities they said could undermine public safety in the community.
The stakeholders made the call in a statement jointly signed by the Traditional Ruler of Enuogu Autonomous Community, Igwe Emmanuel Onukwube; Chairman of the Caretaker Committee, Mr Isaac Ugbor; Secretary, Barr. Abel Ani; and other community leaders.
They were reacting to recent publications and petitions accusing the Enugu State Commissioner for Chieftaincy and Town Union Matters, Dr Charles Egumgbe, of bias and alleging the marginalisation of Ihuezeofia Village.
The stakeholders rejected the allegations, describing them as misinformation and an attempt to undermine the community leadership and the state government’s intervention in the affairs of Enuogu.
They said the individuals behind the publications did not have the mandate to speak for Ihuezeofia Village or Enuogu Autonomous Community.
“The alarmists are invidious impostors claiming to be what they are not. They do not have the mandate of Ihuezeofia Village or Enuogu Autonomous Community. They are not recognised officers of the Town Union and therefore cannot speak for the people,” the statement said.
The stakeholders alleged that the controversy had followed previous disagreements over development initiatives and leadership processes in the community.
They also rejected claims that Ihuezeofia Village had been marginalised, citing the village’s representation in community leadership and other positions, as well as what they described as government interventions in electricity, roads, healthcare and employment.
“It is therefore astonishing that those who have benefited immensely from the collective goodwill of the community now seek to deceive the public by painting a false picture of exclusion,” they said.
The stakeholders also questioned the credentials of some persons identified with the petitions, alleging that some titles attached to their names were inaccurate. They called on the individuals concerned to clarify their qualifications and positions.
On the caretaker committee, the stakeholders said the committee was constituted by the Enugu State Government in March 2026 as a temporary measure to restore peace and prepare the ground for a fresh town union election.
They alleged that the intervention followed intelligence reports of a possible breakdown of law and order arising from disagreements surrounding the suspended election.
The stakeholders further alleged that one Mr Edeson Chukwudi had mobilised youths and made threats of violence if the suspended town union election did not produce him as president.
They said the allegations were among the reasons elders and other stakeholders sought government intervention.
“The intervention of government prevented what could have degenerated into bloodshed. The caretaker committee was not created to favour anybody but to restore peace and create an atmosphere conducive for a free, fair and violence-free election,” the statement said.
The stakeholders further alleged that some individuals had rejected constitutional processes and resorted to petitions, media campaigns and accusations after failing to secure their preferred outcomes.
They also raised security concerns, alleging that Chukwudi and members of a group associated with him had identified some community leaders whom they allegedly threatened.
The stakeholders urged security agencies to investigate the allegations and ensure the protection of community leaders and their families.
They said any future attack, harassment, disappearance or other harm involving persons allegedly threatened should be investigated in the context of the reported threats already brought to the attention of the authorities.
The stakeholders said the allegations remained matters for the appropriate security agencies to investigate, adding that anyone found culpable should be held accountable in accordance with the law.
They reaffirmed their support for due process, constitutional democracy and peaceful resolution of leadership disputes in Enuogu.
The stakeholders also expressed confidence in Commissioner Egumgbe’s commitment to due process and commended Governor Peter Mbah’s administration for its intervention in the community.
They cited ongoing road projects, bridges, Smart Green Schools, healthcare facilities, rural electrification, human capital development and appointments involving members of the community as evidence of the administration’s interventions in Nkerefi.
They pledged continued support for the state government’s development programmes while calling on all parties to pursue dialogue and peaceful resolution of their differences.
