I, Mr. Anayo Vigilus Njoku, a law-abiding citizen of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and a professional technician in Heating and Cooling Systems based in Lagos for over 30 years, write this petition with a deeply troubled heart, anguish in my soul, and a desperate call for justice, relief, and restoration.
I am the only son of my late parents and the father of five children. I have laboured diligently for over three decades to provide for my family, educate my children, and develop my ancestral home in Umualumaku, Ehime-Mbano Local Government Area of Imo State, where I have always intended to retire and live in peace.
On the morning of Wednesday, July 23, 2025, I received a distress call at about 8:30 am from one of my uncles in the village, informing me that heavy gunshots had erupted in the community. Panic and confusion had taken over the entire area, with people fleeing their homes for safety. I immediately tried to reach my younger sister, who was at home in the village, but despite repeated calls, she did not answer. This heightened my anxiety.
A few hours later, I was informed that my house was on fire. My uncle, who lives next to me, told me that he witnessed soldiers around my compound and tried with another uncle to put out the fire. Tragically, they were chased at gunpoint by the soldiers, who threatened to shoot them. Before setting my house ablaze, the soldiers looted it—carting away valuable properties including four mattresses, two 25-litre kegs of red oil, my sister’s two phones, and many personal effects.
I was devastated beyond words. Both my father’s house (which I inherited) and my newly constructed home have now been destroyed, along with all my possessions accumulated over 30 years of honest and hard work. My family and I are now rendered homeless, and I am left with absolutely nothing to return to after retirement. All my savings and investments for a peaceful life after decades of labour are gone—in a single day—without warning, without provocation, and explanation.
As of today, there is no functioning police station in my local government area where I could report this atrocity. Also, due to the chaotic situation and fear of being targeted, no one could identify the soldiers or their unit.
The soldiers operated with impunity, violating all known rules of engagement, disregarding human rights, and violating my right to shelter, dignity, and property, as guaranteed under the Constitution of Nigeria and international human rights conventions to which Nigeria is a signatory.
This act is not only a gross violation of my human rights, but also a grave humanitarian crisis that calls for urgent intervention. As a citizen of Nigeria, I ask:
• Why was my home targeted?
• What crime have I committed to deserve this fate?
• Why is my community not protected by the security forces who are paid with taxpayers’ money, including mine?
• Is it now a crime to be from a community that experiences insecurity, even if one is not involved in it?
I am not a criminal. I have no affiliation with any armed group. I have served my country through lawful enterprise, trained apprentices, raised responsible children, and contributed positively to society.
Therefore, I humbly but urgently petition the following authorities to investigate this matter thoroughly and take immediate steps to provide justice, compensation, and relief:
The Governor of Imo State – to initiate a full-scale investigation and provide emergency relief.
The Nigerian Army Headquarters – to identify the soldiers responsible and ensure disciplinary action.
The Nigerian Police Force – to record, investigate and prosecute this criminal act.
The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) – to document and act on this human rights violation.
The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) – to provide humanitarian relief to affected persons.
Civil society organisations and media – to amplify this injustice and demand accountability.
Humanitarian bodies and international partners – to pressure authorities to uphold the rule of law and human rights in Nigeria.
I am left with nothing, yet I have not lost faith in justice and the humanity of Nigerians. I plead with all relevant bodies to rise to the occasion and ensure that those of us who have abided by the law are not punished for simply being at home or coming from certain communities.
I request the Government of Imo State to immediately reach out to all victims of the unprovoked attack and destruction that occurred on July 23, 2025, in Umualumaku, Ehime-Mbano, and commence a humanitarian and rebuilding response.
I have nowhere else to go. I need justice. I need support. I need protection. I am calling on the conscience of this nation to respond before more innocent citizens are destroyed.
