Aguleri-Umuoba Anam Clash: Obiano, Emeka Weigh In, Urges Peace
By Joseph Egbeocha and Chibuzo Obidike |Ichie Times
More respected stakeholders have continued to weigh in into the communal clash between Aguleri and Umuoba Anam communities in Anambra State.
Last week, a devastating clash between the communities led to the killing of five persons, several injured and destruction of property.
To forestall the crisis, the Anambra State Government has announced temporary closure of Otuocha market until the issues are resolved.
In his intervention, former Governor of Anambra State, Chief Willie Obiano, called on the people of both communities to immediately cease hostilities and sheathe their swords to allow the Anambra State Government to amicably mediate in the dispute.
Chief Obiano disclosed that he had a long and fruitful discussion with his successor, Governor Chukwuma Soludo on the crisis.
According to him, Governor Soludo demonstrated a clear understanding of the issues involved and assured him that he had already waded into the matter, including the deployment of the police and military to quell further hostilities.
Chief Obiano, according to a statement issued by former Anambra Information Commissioner, Dr Paul Nwosu, the Governor is determined to get to the root of the matter.
The former Governor, who hails from Aguleri, appealed to both communities to lay down their arms and fully cooperate with the government and law enforcement agencies, adding that despite the sacrilegious burning of the palaces of the present and former Igwe Aguleri, as well as other properties around Ama Igwe, the communities must resist further escalation to avert more carnage and loss of lives and pave the way for lasting peace.
Also, the Traditional Ruler of Umueri, Igwe Benneth Emeka, appealed to the warring parties to embrace peace.
The monarch said it was painful that communities in the Omambala region were once again confronted with violence at a time when their people should be working together to attract development, build businesses, improve infrastructure, empower youths and create opportunities for future generations.
Igwe Emeka said he was addressing the people not only as the traditional ruler of Umueri but also as a concerned father, brother and stakeholder in the peace, unity and prosperity of the Omambala region.
He expressed concern over reports of violence, loss of lives, injuries, destruction of property and the atmosphere of fear and tension allegedly resulting from the renewed crisis.
The monarch maintained that no grievance, however genuine, was worth the shedding of innocent blood, adding that no land dispute should lead to the destruction of lives, homes, businesses and livelihoods.
He appealed to the people of Aguleri and Umuoba Anam to step back from confrontation and pursue peaceful and lawful means of resolving their differences.
According to him, established legal and institutional channels exist through which grievances can be addressed, stressing that violence would only deepen wounds, create bitterness and make reconciliation more difficult.
The traditional ruler particularly appealed to youths in both communities not to allow themselves to be used as instruments of destruction.
He urged them to channel their energy and talents towards education, entrepreneurship, agriculture, technology, community development and other productive activities capable of creating a better future.
Sir Benneth also cautioned against anger, misinformation and provocation, urging the youths not to sacrifice their lives or the future of their communities over conflicts.
The monarch appreciated the Anambra State Governor, Prof. Chukwuma Soludo and the Commissioner of Police, Anambra State Command, Mr Nnanna Oji Ama, for their swift response and intervention in restoring peace, protecting lives and property and preventing further escalation.
The Umueri monarch called on all stakeholders, traditional rulers, community leaders, youths and security agencies to support efforts aimed at restoring lasting peace and rebuilding trust among the affected communities.
