Human Rights Group Condemns Agunaechemba Vigilante for Operating Like ‘Bakassi Boys’
A storm of controversy is raging in Anambra State as the Agunaechemba Vigilante Group, a security outfit established by Governor Chukwuma Soludo, faces damning allegations of extrajudicial killings, widespread extortion, and unchecked brutality.
According to reports by the International Society for Civil Liberties and Rule of Law (Intersociety), the vigilante outfit—widely compared to the notorious Bakassi Boys—has been implicated in the unlawful killing of hundreds of innocent youths and the systematic extortion of motorists at illegal checkpoints across the state.
Intersociety’s damning report, signed by its Board Chairman, Emeka Umeagbalasi, exposes how Agunaechemba operatives have turned major roadways into extortion corridors, forcing drivers to pay ₦200 per trip at unauthorized roadblocks.
The report revealed that between January 30 and 31, 2025, Intersociety field volunteers identified at least five illegal checkpoints along Nnobi, Ichida, Awka-Etiti, Igboukwu, Uga, and Umuchu road axis, where Agunaechemba operatives were brazenly extorting motorists.
“The security implications of such corrupt practices on crime detection and the apprehension of criminals are alarming,” the report stated. “By reducing security operations to a cash-for-free-pass system, these operatives enable criminals to evade justice while ordinary citizens are subjected to extortion and harassment.”
Beyond the rampant extortion, the vigilante group’s operations have reportedly devolved into anarchy—mirroring the infamous Bakassi Boys of the early 2000s, known for their brutal jungle justice methods.
Among the most chilling accusations against Agunaechemba is its alleged involvement in indiscriminate killings, enforced disappearances, and unlawful detentions.
Intersociety detailed one particularly gruesome incident on February 6, 2025, when operatives of the vigilante outfit executed three defenseless artisans—Malachy Chimaobi Iwuanyanwu, Odinkalu Chinonso (both from Ehime-Mbano, Imo State), and Kosisochukwu from Isuofia (Governor Soludo’s hometown).
These victims, construction workers employed at a site owned by an Anglican priest, were dragged from their workplace in Owerre-Ezukala, Orumba South Local Government Area, before being summarily executed.
“The operatives falsely labeled gas cylinders found at the site as ‘Ogbunigwe Bombs’ (high-caliber explosives) and accused the victims of involvement in kidnappings and ritual killings,” the report stated.
Targeting Innocents, Ignoring Criminal Hideouts
Perhaps even more troubling is the group’s apparent reluctance to confront actual criminal elements. Despite launching indiscriminate raids on communities, abducting civilians—including three NYSC corps members—and parading them as criminals, the vigilante group allegedly avoided targeting a known den of counterfeit Biafra agitators and kidnappers located in the forests between Owerre-Ezukala and Olor, Enugu State.
This glaring double standard has fueled public outrage, with many questioning whether Agunaechemba is truly a security force or a state-backed death squad.
Despite the mounting accusations, Governor Soludo has neither condemned the alleged atrocities nor called for an independent investigation. Instead, he reportedly praised the outfit for its so-called “successful operation” in Owerre-Ezukala—an endorsement that critics say legitimizes the vigilante group’s unchecked brutality.
With civil society organizations, human rights advocates, and victims’ families demanding justice, the big question remains: Will Governor Soludo rein in his security outfit, or will Agunaechemba continue its reign of terror under the guise of law enforcement?
As pressure mounts, all eyes are on Anambra State to see whether justice will prevail—or if impunity will remain the order of the day.
PIONEER NEWS 