OKPANAM community, the country home of the late Major General Chukwuma Kaduna Nzeogwu, leader of the first Nigerian military coup, located in Oshimili North Local Government Area of Delta State, has not known peace since 2010 following the offensive launched by a gang of land speculators, kidnappers and gunmen.
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Elders, women and youths are the mercy of the gang with some security agents allegedly giving them cover. Members of the gang, without visible means of livelihood, are reportedly living big. Reports say they own buildings and luxurious cars purchased from the proceeds of land illegally sold.
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On May 13, 2013, the community, in a letter, from its secretary, Prince Ken Young, to the Commissioner of Police, Delta State, Mr. Ikechukwu Aduba, said it was under siege by the gang threatening to kidnap, commit arson and murder anybody that challenges them over their activities.
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Until recently when Aduba allegedly put his foot down on the matter, a police team from Abuja was allegedly using the office of the Inspector General of Police to obstruct investigations into the matter.
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Sunday Vanguard, however, learnt that police authorities have asked the team to hands off the matter for the police in the state. A leader of the community, who confirmed the arrest of some of the gangsters, said, "Remnants of the gang are still holding sway. The remaining leaders are training new boys in a bid to continue harassing the people."