The escalating dispute between Aguleri and Umuoba-Anam communities in Anambra State has allegedly claimed five lives, with several others injured and properties destroyed.
Following the development, the Deputy Governor of Anambra State, Dr Onyekachukwu Ibezim, has directed the immediate suspension of economic and other activities at Otuocha Company Market.
Dr Ibezim gave the directive on Friday when, on the instruction of Governor Chukwuma Soludo, he led top government officials, security agencies and other stakeholders on an on-the-spot assessment of the crisis-affected areas.
During the violence, several houses and shops, as well as a rice-processing factory containing numerous bags of rice, were reportedly burnt. Other goods and properties were also destroyed, while traders were seen fleeing the area with whatever goods they could salvage.
The Deputy Governor, who is also Chairman of the Anambra State Boundary Committee, warned that no activities would be permitted at the market until the state government completes its investigations and takes appropriate action against those responsible for the incident.
He stressed that neither community leaders nor local government chairmen have the authority to determine boundaries between communities without the involvement of the state government.
According to him, the State Boundary Committee is responsible for the demarcation and monumentation of boundaries within the state.
In separate interviews, the traditional rulers of the two communities, Igwe Michael Idigo of Aguleri and Igwe George Ekwealor of Umuoba-Anam, explained that the crisis erupted after Aguleri people allegedly attempted to erect a signpost and install security cameras in the market area.
The monarchs said Aguleri lost three persons while Umuoba-Anam lost two persons in the incident. They added that several other people were hospitalised, while valuable property was destroyed.
The traditional rulers commended the Anambra State Government for its swift intervention, which they said helped prevent further loss of lives and destruction of property.
