Anambra Shuts Otuocha Market After Communal Clash Kills Five
The Anambra State Government has ordered the immediate closure of Otuocha Company Market following renewed violence between the Aguleri and Umuoba-Anam communities in Anambra East Local Government Area.
The latest clash reportedly left five people dead, several others injured, while houses, shops, a rice-processing facility and other properties were destroyed. The palace of the traditional ruler of Aguleri was also reportedly set ablaze during the violence.
The violence occurred amid a longstanding boundary and land dispute between the two neighbouring communities.
Dispute Over Signpost, CCTV Cameras
According to accounts from the affected communities, the immediate tension reportedly followed an attempt by Aguleri residents to erect a signpost and install Closed-Circuit Television cameras around the disputed boundary area.
The move was opposed by members of Umuoba-Anam, with the disagreement subsequently escalating into violence.
The traditional rulers of both communities, Igwe Michael Idigo of Aguleri and Igwe George Ekwealor of Umuoba-Anam, said three people were killed from Aguleri and two from Umuoba-Anam. Several others were also reportedly hospitalised.
Properties Destroyed As Residents Flee
Several houses and shops were reportedly burnt during the confrontation, while a rice-processing factory and bags of rice were among the properties destroyed.
Traders were said to have fled the area with whatever belongings they could recover, while the normally busy Otuocha-Umuoba-Anam road was reportedly deserted as tension increased.
The palace of the traditional ruler of Aguleri was also set ablaze late on Friday following an exchange of gunfire in the area, according to reports.
Government Orders Market Closure
Deputy Governor Onyekachukwu Ibezim, who also chairs the Anambra State Boundary Committee, announced the closure of Otuocha Market during an assessment visit to the affected communities.
He said the directive was issued by Governor Chukwuma Soludo and that the market would remain closed until the government completes its assessment of the damage and investigations into the incident.
Ibezim also warned that community leaders and local government officials do not have the authority to determine boundaries between communities without the involvement of the state government.
He said the Anambra State Boundary Committee is responsible for the demarcation and monumentation of boundaries within the state.
Police Call For Calm
The Anambra State Police Command condemned the renewed violence and destruction of property, describing the latest incident as a breach of the peace agreement reached after previous intervention efforts.
Police spokesperson SP Tochukwu Ikenga said security agencies remained committed to maintaining law and order in the affected communities.
The command urged traditional rulers, town union leaders, youth groups, women’s groups and other stakeholders to cooperate with security agencies and avoid actions capable of escalating the crisis.
The police also warned that anyone found culpable after investigations would face prosecution.
Meanwhile, the traditional rulers of Aguleri and Umuoba-Anam have appealed for calm and urged their people to allow the government to address the boundary dispute.
Authorities are expected to continue investigations while security measures remain in place to prevent further escalation.
