The Rule of Law and Accountability Advocacy Centre (RULAAC) has issued a formal petition to the Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa, over the alleged unlawful looting and burning of residential property by military personnel in Umualumaku, Ehime-Mbano Local Government Area of Imo State.
According to the petition, the incident occurred on July 23, 2025, when security forces—believed to be soldiers—allegedly stormed the community and carried out acts of destruction targeting the home of Mr. Anayo Vigilus Njoku, a technician based in Lagos. Both his ancestral residence and a newly completed retirement house were reportedly looted and set ablaze. Eyewitness accounts allege that Mr. Njoku’s relatives, who tried to intervene and extinguish the flames, were threatened at gunpoint.
“This shocking violation of rights underscores the growing climate of fear and lawlessness affecting communities in southeastern Nigeria,” said RULAAC Executive Director, Okechukwu Nwanguma.
The group acknowledged escalating insecurity in the region, citing a surge in attacks by criminal gangs and suspected separatist militants. However, it condemned collective punishment and reprisals by state forces as unconstitutional and counterproductive.
Key Demands Made to Defence Headquarters: Immediate investigation to identify involved officers and assess the legality of their actions, Disciplinary or criminal sanctions for any personnel found guilty of misconduct, Reaffirmation of legal and operational guidelines to deployed units, Humanitarian relief and compensation for victims, in collaboration with government agencies and Engagement with civil society to develop community protection and intelligence-gathering protocols.
RULAAC emphasised that the Nigerian Constitution and international obligations strictly prohibit extrajudicial actions and destruction of civilian property. The petition, which has been copied to multiple government agencies and rights groups, including the NHRC and UN Human Rights Office, calls for urgent and impartial intervention.
“Security must not come at the cost of justice,” the petition reads. “Enforcement must not descend into vengeance.”
RULAAC also attached to the petition a detailed complaint from Mr. Njoku documenting the losses suffered and the trauma inflicted.
