By Silvernews,
A widow in Imo State, Mrs Esther Iheoma Nwanne Osuagwu, has alleged that her family has endured years of threats, intimidation and violence arising from a disputed parcel of land allegedly left to her by her late husband.
Documents made available to Silvernews showed that the matter was reported to the police following an alleged invasion of her residence by armed men in September 2020.
According to a police investigation report from the Imo State Police Command, the attackers reportedly stormed her home on September 14, 2020, wielding weapons and threatening members of her household.
The widow alleged that the gunmen ordered her and her children to lie on the floor, assaulted her with a firearm and tied her up. She further claimed that the assailants threatened her two daughters and also restrained her son while issuing death threats against the family.
Mrs Osuagwu told investigators that the incident was linked to a piece of land she said was specifically bequeathed to her by her late husband.
She alleged that unidentified persons had repeatedly sought to force her family away from the property and had continued to issue threats through various means.
The matter, according to the police report, was recorded and entered into the crime diary before being referred for further investigation.
In a related development, the widow alleged that in 2021, a family associate, Mr Franklin Osuagwu, who had been assisting in legal matters concerning the dispute, was abducted by unknown persons.
Family sources claimed that the kidnappers may have mistaken him for a member of the immediate Osuagwu family because he bore the same surname.
A ransom was reportedly paid following the abduction.
However, relatives disclosed that Franklin’s whereabouts have remained uncertain since the incident, with conflicting accounts suggesting he may have relocated abroad after his release.
The family said the disappearance of the legal aide, coupled with the earlier attack and continued threats, has heightened fears for their safety.
Efforts to obtain official comments from security agencies on the allegations were unsuccessful as of press time.
No arrests have been announced in connection with either the alleged armed invasion or the kidnapping, while investigations are said to be ongoing.
Community leaders and concerned residents have called on law enforcement authorities to thoroughly investigate the allegations and ensure that justice is served.
