Land in Ugboko Strictly Meant for University Development — No Land Grabbing, No Murder Issues, Just Red Herring — Markus Okafor, National Coordinator, Truth & Justice

By David Odama

Marcus Okafor, National Coordinator of the National Guide for Truth and Justice, has firmly refuted recent online allegations by Sahara Reporters publisher, Omoyele Sowore, accusing Senator Ned Nwoko of involvement in land grabbing and past communal violence in Idumuje-Ugboko, Delta State.

The allegations, which have circulated widely online, had earlier drawn strong condemnation from community leaders and legal authorities familiar with the events.

Responding to the claims, Okafor described them as “malicious falsehoods” devoid of any factual substance.

He explained that the 90-hectare parcel of land in Idumuje-Ugboko, earmarked for the establishment of a Sports University, received formal approval in 2015 from the late Obi of the community, HRM Albert Nwoko, after broad consultations with stakeholders from the four federating villages. The land was later allocated to Linas International Limited, owned by Senator Nwoko.

Okafor noted that tensions only arose after the current state-installed Obi, Chukwunonso Nwoko, began issuing unilateral directives from the palace while his father was still alive.

Following the death of HRM Albert Nwoko in February 2017, Okafor alleged that violent attacks orchestrated by Chukwunonso left 29 community members traumatized. Numerous homes were burnt or destroyed, and several victims are still incapacitated. Many families have spent years seeking justice for the atrocities committed during the unrest.

“These are the criminals Sowore is now celebrating, while ignoring the victims,” Okafor stated.

He said the recent media reports were a deliberate distortion of the facts, aimed at presenting the aggressors as victims.

The 2017 violence included vicious attacks on prominent community leaders such as Chief Chukwuka Christopher Ogwu (Iyase) and Chief Sunday Odemodu (Odogwu), whose homes and vehicles were vandalized.

A motorcycle rider from Benue State, Cyprian Kumuolu, was killed in front of Chukwunonso’s residence, and his body was allegedly mutilated and disposed of. Another victim, Kennedy Iloh, former secretary of the community’s land allocation committee, later died from injuries sustained during the attacks. Some survivors—among them Ogbuefi Victor Omezi—were forced into exile after losing their homes and means of livelihood.

Okafor emphasized that official investigations and legal findings have consistently vindicated Senator Nwoko. A probe by a former Inspector General of Police cleared him of any land grabbing. Delta State authorities also verified the legitimacy of the land allocation, confirming that hundreds of millions of naira were paid as compensation to farmers affected by the development.

He added that critical allegations—such as a forged letter falsely attributed to HRM Albert Nwoko—were disproven in court, leading to the conviction of Chukwunonso Nwoko and two accomplices for forgery in March 2024.

Okafor further dismissed attempts to link Senator Nwoko or his family to unrelated deaths, including that of a young man named Blessing, who drowned at a government-approved tourist location.

“These are fabricated narratives that overlook the real perpetrators and the suffering endured by victims of the 2017 attacks,” he said.

Highlighting the progress of Senator Nwoko’s developmental initiatives, Okafor noted that the Sports University in Idumuje-Ugboko is now in its third year, delivering substantial community benefits and gaining global recognition.

“The university project has brought significant transformation to Idumuje-Ugboko, contrary to the baseless allegations,” he added.

As the ANIOMA state creation movement continues to grow, supporters of Senator Nwoko remain focused on his legislative contributions and community advancement efforts. Okafor urged that disputes be addressed through lawful processes rather than through media campaigns that spread misinformation.

He concluded that “the priority of ANIOMA people is progress, transformation, and justice,” affirming that the community stands firmly behind Senator Nwoko’s efforts to develop the region.