Ngor Okpala, Imo State – Tensions are rising in Mbaishii, a clan within Ngor Okpala Local Government Area of Imo State, following the alleged killing of a young man, Ikechukwu Miracle Nwafor, by operatives of the Department of State Services (DSS).
The DSS officers were reportedly acting on behalf of Evangelist Ebuka Obi, leader of the Lagos-based Zion Ministry, which is currently constructing a religious facility in the area.
The incident, which occurred about two weeks ago, has sparked outrage from local leaders and residents, who accuse Zion Ministry of turning a peaceful community into a zone of violence.
Nwafor, a native of Umuaku Ntu village in Ntu Town, was said to be unarmed and non-confrontational when he was allegedly gunned down during a security operation targeting individuals accused of vandalizing a water reservoir on a disputed site.
The land in question is the subject of ongoing legal battles between the community and the ministry.
Evangelist Obi claims to have acquired the land through the Imo State Government, but local landowners dispute this, insisting that no formal acquisition ever took place.
According to historical records, the site was once considered for a Free Trade Zone project involving a Chinese consortium during the administration of former Governor Achike Udenwa.
That plan was reportedly abandoned after the federal government redirected the project to Ogun State.
Dr. Ibe Nwoko, President of the Ngor Okpala Renaissance League and a native of Mbaishii, condemned the killing and called for Zion Ministry’s immediate departure from the area.
“This is an abomination in Ngor Okpala,” he said. “How can a religious group that came to establish among an indigenous people become associated with violence and death? It is baffling,” he said.
Dr. Nwoko, whose family also owns land in the disputed area, emphasized that the community never consented to the permanent transfer of their land to any religious group or organization.
He revealed that the matter is currently before various courts in Imo State, and cautioned against actions that could escalate tensions further.
“My concern now is the killing of the young man, Ikechukwu, who was not armed and posed no threat. The ministry must leave Mbaishii. Zion Ministry, as it stands, appears more like a business venture than a religious institution,” he added.
He also criticized bloggers and online commentators who accused the community of being hostile to Zion Ministry, stating such views are misinformed and motivated by financial interests rather than facts.
Said he: “The death of Okechukwu Nwafor must not go in vain. He was a promising young man with a bright future. Our people are peace-loving and accommodating, but we are not cowards. Justice must take its course.”
The Ngor Okpala Renaissance League has vowed to pursue legal and community action to ensure that those responsible for the killing are held accountable. They also reaffirmed the community’s respect for tradition, land, and peaceful coexistence, but warned that their hospitality should not be mistaken for weakness.
As of the time of filing this report, neither the DSS nor Zion Ministry has issued an official statement regarding the incident
