Imo State Community Gripped In Fears Over Vigilante Leader’s ‘House Of Death’
OpenLife Nigeria reports that residents of Egwedu Autonomous Community in Atta, Njaba Local Government Area, a prominent, largely agricultural, administrative area in Imo State, Nigeria, live in constant fear due to the actions of Chibuike Duru, widely known as Nwagbenta, a self-proclaimed vigilante leader.
He is accused of operating a secret detention facility, extorting market women, and allegedly causing the deaths of at least two young men in recent months.
Community members describe Duru’s home as place where people are confined in “human cages,” sometimes for weeks or months, over minor or alleged offenses.
Witnesses say he uses this system to collect money, enforce control, and punish anyone he sees as a threat.
“He just comes with guns, collects money and beats people. While nobody dares to challenge him,” said a local market trader.
Nwagbenta reportedly moves freely through the community and surrounding areas carrying assault rifles, including AK-47s, executing his own version of justice in the near-total absence of law enforcement. Locals say he decides who is guilty, the length of detention, how much victims must pay, and in some cases, whether they live or die.
Tensions escalated after businessman Amaechi Duru installed solar-powered streetlights near his property to improve safety in the area. Nwagbenta allegedly saw the lights as a threat, removed about 15 of them, and took them to his home, warning that anyone attempting to retrieve them would face deadly consequences.
In Afor Atta Market, Nwagbenta and his men reportedly demand money from traders. Those who refuse are beaten or have their goods seized, regardless of their financial situation.
Residents call Nwagbenta’s residence the “House of Death.” Here, accused persons are allegedly caged for extended periods. Families reportedly pay bail fees between N300,000 and N1 million, with an extra N5,000 every time they deliver food. Nwagbenta allegedly conducts daily court-like sessions at his home, ruling on domestic disputes, land disagreements, and theft allegations, with penalties enforced through violence.
Torture reportedly includes severe beatings, sleep deprivation, and mock executions designed to instill fear.
Tragically, his actions have allegedly caused deaths. On January 27, 2026, 25-year-old Ifeanyi Nnadiemere was reportedly arrested after being accused of transferring money from his mother’s account without permission. Residents said he was tortured in custody at Nwagbenta’s home and later died, with his family only called to retrieve his body for burial.
The situation has left the Egwedu community living in fear and demonstrates the dangers of unchecked vigilante power in the absence of law enforcement. Immediate intervention is needed to restore safety and accountability in the area.
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