Tensions are high in Obodogba Quarters, Okpanam, Delta State, as a heated land audit dispute continues to divide the community. Allegations of fraud, illegal land sales, intimidation, and violence have turned what began as a community land verification exercise into a full-blown crisis involving arrests and court proceedings.
What Sparked the Crisis?
The Obodogba land audit controversy centers on the activities of FISAM KONSULT NIGERIA LIMITED, a firm contracted by the community in 2022 to audit and document all land allocations and recover illegally sold plots. However, conflicting accounts have emerged about the integrity and transparency of the audit process.
Protesters Cry Foul: “We Want Transparency”
A group of self-styled “concerned youths”, led by former youth chairman Uche Nwaedozie and current Okpanam Youth Vice President Chukwudi Abumujor, staged a protest earlier this week, accusing FISAM KONSULT of:
- Failing to submit the agreed quarterly audit reports since being engaged in 2022.
- Colluding with select community members to illegally sell lands behind closed doors.
- Using intimidation and threats to silence those questioning their operations.
The protesters called on the Delta State Government to immediately intervene, halt the audit, and launch a full investigation into the firm’s activities.
Youth Chairman Fires Back: “These Are the Real Land Racketeers”
In a swift and stern rebuttal, the current Obodogba Youth Chairman, Comrade Chukwuma Abumujor, dismissed the protest and its leaders as a disruptive minority with selfish interests.
According to Chukwuma:
- The protesters are not representing the community’s interest, but rather trying to protect themselves from exposure, having previously sold community lands without due process.
- The land audit is being conducted lawfully and transparently under the directive of a court order, with supervision from the community’s elders, who are the rightful custodians of the land.
- Some of the protesters had earlier been arrested and remanded at Ogwashi-Uku Correctional Center for inciting chaos in the community.
- The audit will continue until all improperly allocated lands are recovered and properly documented.
Violence Breaks Out: Alleged Cult Involvement and Arrests
The situation escalated when violence erupted in parts of the community, allegedly triggered by youths brought in from outside the area.
Security forces, including the police and military, swiftly intervened and arrested seven individuals. During interrogation, two suspects reportedly confessed that they were paid by Comrade. Uche Nwaedozie and Chukwudi Abumujor to mobilize cultists to destabilize the audit process and intimidate residents.
The confessions, which have since been recorded in a Okpanam police report, form part of the case now scheduled for hearing on June 19, 2025 at a local court in Akwukugbo, Oshimili North LG headquarters.
What Happens Now?
- The land audit continues, with the community now anxiously awaiting a final report from FISAM KONSULT.
- Comrade Chukwuma has urged residents to disregard false narratives from what he calls “disgruntled elements”.
- Security agencies remain on high alert, with reinforcements stationed in key areas of the community to maintain peace and prevent further violence.
Voices from the Community
While the protesters maintain their call for transparency, others in the community are urging for dialogue and calm. Some elders have reaffirmed their support for the audit, noting that the land issues in Obodogba date back decades and must be addressed comprehensively.
A resident who preferred anonymity said:
“We don’t want to fight ourselves anymore. Let the audit be completed so everyone knows what belongs to who. If there’s any wrongdoing, let the law take its course.”
Bottom Line
This dispute reflects deeper struggles over land ownership, leadership legitimacy, and community accountability in many growing urban areas. In Obodogba, the battle lines are drawn between a youth leadership defending a court-backed audit and a group of former leaders pushing back against the process—one now tainted with allegations of violence, cultism, and arrests.
As June 19 approaches and the legal proceedings begin, all eyes will remain on Okpanam, where the outcome could determine not just land ownership—but the future direction of the community itself.
