The Umudora Anam Development Union has petitioned Anambra State Governor, Professor Chukwuma Soludo, over the disappearance of two indigenes, Engr. Isaac Michael Egwuatu and Pastor Ikenna Ofodile, demanding a thorough investigation and the recovery of their remains.
In a petition made available to newsmen on Friday and signed by its chairman, Chief Obiora Nzedigwe, the union alleged that the disappearances were linked to violent incidents involving individuals from Aguleri in Anambra East Local Government Area.
The clash had resulted in deaths and the burning of structures in both communities.
Governor Soludo had earlier last week mediated in the crisis, setting up a Judicial Commission of Inquiry to investigate the deadly communal crisis and land dispute between the two communities.
According to the petition, Egwuatu went to Aguleri Junction on October 10, 2026, to purchase timber for a building project but was last seen around Ogbosi Timber Market.
The union expressed fears that he might have been abducted and killed.
It said the latest incident had heightened anxiety in the community, particularly as it occurred despite recent peace initiatives involving the state government, the Deputy Governor and stakeholders from Anam and Aguleri.
The union also raised concerns over the unresolved disappearance of Pastor Ofodile, who was allegedly abducted from his church site in Aguleri on January 28, 2025, amid a dispute over a fish pond involving Umuoji Village in Umuoba Anam and Eziagulu in Aguleri.
It maintained that the two men were not involved in the disputes reportedly associated with their disappearances and called for an investigation to establish the circumstances surrounding their fate and determine whether other persons were involved.
Describing Umudora Anam as a peaceful community, the union said it was not seeking revenge or collective punishment but wanted truth, justice and protection for its people.
“We call on Governor Soludo to intervene urgently to prevent fear and mistrust from further undermining peaceful relations between the neighbouring communities,” the community said.
The union specifically requested that the governor direct the Nigeria Police Force and the Department of State Services (DSS) to conduct an impartial investigation, prosecute anyone found culpable, and intensify efforts to locate the missing men and recover their remains for dignified burial.
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Copies of the petition were also sent to the Anambra State Commissioner of Police, the Assistant Inspector-General of Police, Zone 13, Ukpo, the DSS State Director, the state Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, and the Chairman of Anambra East Local Government Area.
The allegations contained in the petition have yet to be independently established, pending investigations and official findings.
