By Winnie Onu, Makurdi
People of A’Inamu community in Orokam, Ogbadigbo Local Government Area of Benue State, have accused retired Major General John Enenche and two traditional rulers of forcibly seizing communal land, extracting valuable minerals, and unleashing of intimidation using the police.
The allegations, now the subject of a legal battle at the Federal High Court in Makurdi, described a troubling scene of midnight arrests, extortion, and land exploitation in A’Inamu community.
According to the community’s legal counsel, Barr. James Onyirofie, in an interview with journalists after a court session on Monday, the issue stems from a road project awarded to Enenche by the former Benue State Government under Samuel Ortom.
He alleged that the retired military officer veered off the official route to excavate laterite, sand, and other resources from A’Inamu land without consent or compensation with the backing of Chiefs Joseph Ikwuje and Joseph Idoko.
“The materials taken are worth over N154 million, yet not a kobo was paid to the community. Worse still, the traditional chiefs have been using the police and hired thugs to terrorise the residents for speaking out,” he said.
Onyirofie claimed that security agents have been conducting night raids, breaking into homes arresting young men, and confiscating personal property. Over 14 youths were allegedly detained, with police demanding N80,000 from each for the release of their motorcycles.
He added, “These are clear violations of their fundamental human rights. The elders own the land, but it is the youths who manage and protect it. Now they’re being punished for defending it.”
The community therefore asked the court to compel Enenche to pay compensation for the land and resources, and to order the return of impounded motorcycles and bribes allegedly collected by police.
Onyirofie also requested that the Police Service Commission, the Nigeria Police Force, and the Otukpo Area Commander be joined as additional respondents in the case.
Justice Raphael Egbe granted the application, ruling that fundamental rights cases can be brought against both individuals and government bodies.
The matter has been adjourned to October 29, 2025.
