…It’s a miracle God used him – Youth Leader, Ogwu-Ikpele
A recently retired naval officer, Navy Lieutenant Godwin Oscar Sampson, has been conferred with the traditional title of Eze-Udo 1 (King of Peace) by the Ogwu-Ikpele community in Ogbaru Local Government Area of Anambra State, in recognition of his efforts in liberating the community from the grip of criminal gangs and restoring peace.
Lieutenant Sampson, who was deployed to the Naval Outpost in Onitsha a few years ago, led operations in Ogwu-Ikpele at a time when the community was reeling from repeated attacks on an oil facility owned by Sterling Global Oil Exploration and other forms of insecurity.
Upon arrival, he and his team encountered a volatile environment but adopted a strategy rooted in peacebuilding and community engagement. This approach enabled them to win the trust of residents and gradually dismantle criminal strongholds within the community.
“Due to the enormous insecurity they were faced with and our ability to repel the miscreants, the people became friendly. We understood that the way to win the battle was to win their hearts and minds,” Lt Sampson told our correspondent.
Investigations and intelligence reports revealed that a former Councillor and Vice Chairman of Ogbaru Local Government, Mr Sunday Madupue—who had recently assumed the position of President General of the community—was allegedly behind the unrest. According to Lt Sampson, Madupue and his two sons reportedly acquired illegal firearms, including AK-47 rifles, which were used to terrorise the community, particularly targeting elders during a dispute over traditional titles.
In one shocking incident, three elderly men, aged between 75 and 90, were reportedly brutalised by Madupue and his sons. This triggered community outrage, prompting Lt Sampson and his team to act swiftly and take the suspects into custody to prevent extrajudicial actions.
A subsequent search of their residence led to the discovery of empty magazines, a pistol, 17 rounds of 7.6mm live ammunition, and additional arms, including a locally-made pistol and cartridges. Madupue allegedly confessed to purchasing the weapons to wage war against the community. He and his sons were later handed over to appropriate security agencies for prosecution.
Lt Sampson also disclosed that his team helped resolve inter-community conflicts and arrested suspected vandals responsible for damaging three transformers and other public infrastructure, further contributing to the restoration of peace in the region.
Reflecting on the impact of his work, Lt Sampson said: “As a result of these efforts, the community, in their wisdom, bestowed on me the title of *Eze-Udo 1*. I have been issued a certificate to help me function in that role effectively.”
The conferment of the title has been met with widespread approval within the community. Deputy Youth President, Mr Ben Bulus, said the title was a unanimous decision by the Uduoaku and his Chiefs in Council. “Until today, we are still loving him because he has relieved the community of the pain they suffered under Mr Sunday Madupue and his children. The title is a mark of our appreciation,” he said.
He further praised the Nigerian Navy for their intervention and described Sampson’s actions as a divine miracle. “It’s a miracle that God used Navy Lt Sampson to liberate our people. In just three to four months, he achieved what even Napoleon Bonaparte could not do,” Bulus added.
Navy Lieutenant Godwin Oscar Sampson retired from the Nigerian Navy on May 26, 2025, after 25 years of meritorious service. During his career, he served in various commands across the country, including the Information Unit of the Western Naval Command in Apapa, Lagos.
