There is tension in Enugu State as youths under the aegis of Ugwuaji Youths for Peace have issued a 72-hour ultimatum to the Commander of the National Forest Guard in the state, Dr. Akinbayo O. Olasoji, to explain the presence of unknown men wielding AK-47 rifles alongside his personnel in Ugwuaji forests.
The youths also demanded explanation over his alleged repeated meetings in the forests with an NDC chieftain, Mr Ben Alukwu, who they claim is not from Ugwuaji and owns no property in the area.
The ultimatum was contained in a counter-statement signed by Barr. Ogbodo Nwobodo on behalf of Ugwuaji Youths for Peace, reacting to a statement issued by the Public Relations Officer of the National Forest Guard, Enugu State Command, on October 17, 2026.
The youths accused Olasoji of dodging the main allegations of harassment, assault and land grabbing.
“We have carefully read the press statement issued on 17 October 2026 by the National Forest Guard, Enugu State Command. We consider the statement an attempt to divert attention from the specific allegations raised against the Command. Rather than address the central issues, the Commander has chosen to recount previous security incidents and discuss the reasons for establishing a Forward Operating Base in the Ugwuaji-Obeagu forest area,” the statement said.
“While we recognise the need to protect residents against kidnapping and other criminal activities, security operations must not become an excuse for evading legitimate questions about the conduct of personnel.”
The group demanded that Olasoji identify the individuals allegedly carrying AK-47 rifles alongside Forest Guard personnel and explain their official status, recruitment, training, authorisation and chain of command.
They also challenged him to explain his alleged repeated presence in the forests with Ben Alukwu, asking whether the NDC chieftain is a recognised security chief, an appointed Forest Guard officer or a member of another security agency.
“Dr. Olasoji must explain why unknown individuals alleged to be operating alongside his personnel in our forests are carrying AK-47 rifles. Who are these individuals? Are they duly recruited, trained and authorised members of the National Forest Guard? Under whose authority are they carrying such weapons, and where are their deployment records and relevant arms authorisations?
“We also challenge Dr. Olasoji to explain his alleged repeated presence in the forests with one Ben Alukwu. What official capacity does Alukwu occupy in these operations? Is Ben Alukwu a recognised security chief, a duly appointed Forest Guard officer or a member of any security agency authorised to participate in such deployments?” the youths queried.
The youths insisted that residents and investors have the right to question activities of armed individuals in their environment and that demanding accountability is not an attack on security institutions.
They gave Olasoji 72 hours to publicly address five issues: the identity and authorisation of the AK-47-wielding individuals; the legality of their deployment; Alukwu’s identity and official capacity; whether he holds any appointment within the Forest Guard or another agency; and the purpose of the alleged joint visits with official records.
They warned that failure to respond would lead to a formal petition with evidence to the Office of the National Security Adviser, the Minister of Defence and other appropriate authorities.
