The usually peaceful Umugem community in Ufuma, Orumba North Local Government Area, is facing turmoil due to allegations against a certain professor working with a health institution in Anambra.
Concerned citizens, who wish to remain anonymous for fear of their lives, claim that the professor is using intimidation and terror to acquire over 300 plots of land for an institutional annex.
Initially, the community welcomed the project but insisted on proper documentation.
However, the professor’s alleged desperation has led to threats and molestation of community members, employment threats against parents whose children work at the institution, forced exile of elite opposed to his actions, and the imposition of a village chairman through questionable elections.
Additionally, the elected chairman has faced arrest and intimidation.
Reports suggest that the professor has assumed a self-styled lordship of Ufuma and plans to use funds meant for his predecessor to influence divergent opinions in the town.
Diasporal citizens who fled for safety allege that the professor is using well-known secessionist group’s youths to threaten assassination and opposition groups.
The community fears that the professor’s actions may escalate into uncontrollable catastrophe and has urged federal and state authorities to investigate and intervene.
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