Anambra brokers historic truce as Aguleri, Umuoba Anam declare total ceasefire
By Ejike Abana |IchieTimes
After years of tension and renewed bloodshed, a major breakthrough has been recorded in the Aguleri, Umuoba Anam crisis as Anambra State Governor, Professor Chukwuma Soludo, brokered an immediate and total ceasefire between the warring sides.
The agreement was reached during a high level peace and security meeting involving traditional rulers, community presidents general and other key stakeholders at the Light House, Awka.
Governor Soludo warned that the state government would no longer tolerate attacks on lives, destruction of property or attempts by individuals and communities to take the law into their own hands.
The Governor also condemned the destruction of the historic Idigo Palace, describing the attack on the traditional institution as an assault on the cultural heritage of Anambra.
He announced that the state government would support the rebuilding of the palace, while directing security agencies to maintain round the clock presence in the affected communities to prevent further violence.
Community leaders, including Igwe Michael Idigo and Hon. Fidel Okafor, condemned the killings and destruction recorded during the crisis.
They raised concerns over the killing of a minor and an unarmed person from Umuoba Anam, as well as the subsequent destruction of the Idigo Palace, and called for justice for victims.
Retired Justice Charles Okaa, who attended the meeting as an observer on behalf of Umueri community, urged all sides to exercise restraint.
He also called on the state government to enforce the 1982 Supreme Court judgment on the boundary dispute involving Umueri and Aguleri as part of efforts to achieve a lasting resolution.
The stakeholders resolved on an immediate and total ceasefire, prosecution of persons found responsible for the violence and greater accountability among community leadership.
To address the deeper issues behind the crisis, the state government subsequently established a Judicial Commission of Inquiry to investigate petitions, complaints and historical grievances surrounding the conflict.
The commission is expected to submit its comprehensive report within four months.
