As Gun Violence Escalates in Abata Nsugbe, Community Leaders Accused of Suppressing Truth and Protecting Killers
By Karen James
A Community in Crisis
Nsugbe, a once peaceful town in Anambra East LGA of Anambra State, is now grappling with a disturbing security crisis. In recent months, at least three residents of Abata Nsugbe have been gunned down, sparking fear, outrage, and serious allegations of a cover-up.
Despite repeated calls for investigation, no suspects have been arrested, and the authorities appear reluctant to act.
No Police Station, No Justice
Shockingly, Nsugbe — including Abata and Ime Nsugbe — has no police station. For years, residents have relied on a local vigilante group to handle security, but now that very group is under fire for alleged corruption, abuse of power, and extra-judicial killings.
Critics say this failure of infrastructure and governance has turned the community into a lawless zone, where powerful individuals manipulate security for personal and political gain.
Who Killed the Victims?
The three recent murders in Abata Nsugbe are reportedly linked to cult clashes or drug-related activities, especially in known hotspots where hard drugs are openly used and traded. However, no official investigation has confirmed these claims.
Observers note that all three victims were non-indigenes, fueling fears that ethnic profiling and discrimination are playing a role in the silence and inaction.
Hon. Ogude Punished for Seeking Justice
Former Nsugbe President-General, Hon. Chief Simeon Ogude, was suspended from the Nsugbe Security Management and Finance Committee after he demanded accountability over the killings.
His crime? Calling for the reform of the vigilante leadership, following repeated failures to prevent violence or act on credible intelligence.
Instead of being supported, Hon. Ogude was maligned, accused falsely, and eventually suspended — in what appears to be a politically motivated witch-hunt by a powerful cabal within the community.
Inside the Vigilante Cabal
The Nsugbe Security Management and Finance Committee was established under the Anambra State Homeland Security Law 2025 to oversee local security. But insiders say it has been hijacked by a small group of power players, including:
Rev. Fr. Emmanuel Anyansi – Committee Chairman
Barr. Ernest Nwoye
Mr. Nnamdi Okeke – Committee Secretary
These individuals have been accused of:
Shielding compromised vigilante operatives
Blocking disciplinary actions
Leaking confidential security briefings
Defying lawful redeployment of vigilante commanders
One such case involved Mr. Anthony Mmadubueze, a vigilante commander accused of fraternizing with drug gangs. Even after three murders occurred under his watch, he refused to leave his post — reportedly on the orders of committee leaders.
A Dangerous Breach of Security
Sources revealed that the security operatives stationed in Abata Nsugbe were collecting bribes from drug dealers, allowing them to operate freely. When whistleblowers attempted to take action, they were either ignored or punished.
In Hon. Ogude’s case, a private security briefing was illegally recorded by insiders and leaked to the public. The goal, insiders say, was to paint him as a threat and remove him from the committee. The recording was later published without consent — a move that endangered Ogude’s life and compromised the entire security architecture.
The Committee That Overstepped Its Bounds
In an unprecedented move, the same committee tried to pass a vote of no confidence on Nsugbe’s President-General, Dr. Robert Ezeanwu — a blatant overreach not supported by law.
Dr. Ezeanwu, in his formal response dated September 19, 2025, rejected the move, listing several illegal activities of the committee and warning of the growing security threats in the town.
Urgent Calls for Action
As violence continues to rise, Nsugbe residents are calling on:
Anambra State Government
Nigeria Police Force
Civil society organizations
The media
Concerned citizens and diaspora groups
…to intervene urgently and restore law and order in Nsugbe before the situation spirals beyond control.
Key demands include:
Immediate investigation into all recent killings
Prosecution of those responsible — both for the killings and illegal security operations
Reinstatement and protection of Hon. Simeon Ogude
Immediate establishment of a police station in Nsugbe
A full audit and overhaul of the vigilante operations
Final Thoughts: Will Nsugbe Be Silenced or Saved?
Nsugbe is at a tipping point. As gun violence becomes normalized and whistleblowers are silenced, the community risks sliding into a state of anarchy.
The time to act is now.
If state actors, law enforcement, and community stakeholders continue to look the other way, the consequences will be dire — not just for Nsugbe, but for Anambra State as a whole.
