On May 12, 2025, a disturbing incident reportedly took place in the Ukpagada community, Ogoja Local Government Area, where a group of women, allegedly under the banner of the Ukpagada Community Women Association, took the law into their own hands and razed down buildings belonging to the Akpidi family in the Mbagide area.
Investigations suggest that the Akpidi family had been in a longstanding dispute with the community. The situation escalated after a member of the family was invited for questioning by the police in Ogoja. Rather than allow the legal process to take its course, community members allegedly reacted by vandalizing the family’s properties including their homes, farm produce, crops, and livestock.
Reports indicate that nothing associated with the family was spared. The destruction was extensive and deliberate.
Regardless of the grievances that may have fueled this reaction, the act represents a gross violation of the Akpidi family’s fundamental human rights. Destroying property without recourse to due process is unlawful and unacceptable in any civil society.
We, therefore, call on law enforcement agencies and relevant authorities to immediately investigate this matter and ensure that those responsible are brought to justice. The Mbagide/Ukpagada community must be cautioned against mob actions and self-help tactics that undermine peace, security, and the rule of law.
No individual or community is above the law. Failure to address this urgently could set a dangerous precedent and open the door to further human rights abuses.
An injustice to one is an injustice to all.
