Anambra State Governor, Professor Chukwuma Soludo, has established a Judicial Commission of Inquiry to investigate the protracted communal conflict between Aguleri and Umuoba Anam communities.
The decision followed a high-level stakeholders’ meeting convened by the Governor at the Light House, Awka, to address the lingering crisis, which has resulted in loss of lives and destruction of property.
Opening the deliberations, Governor Soludo condemned the violence, describing the loss of lives and destruction of property as unacceptable. He directed security agencies to maintain a round-the-clock presence in the affected areas to prevent further hostilities and restore public order.
The Governor assured the communities that his administration would remain committed to ensuring peace, fairness and justice in resolving the conflict.
Describing the attack on the traditional palace as an assault on the state’s cultural heritage, Governor Soludo pledged that the State Government would assist in rebuilding the facility to restore its traditional dignity.
In their separate speeches, community leaders, including Igwe Michael Idigo and Hon. Fidel Okafor, condemned the violence, particularly the reported killings of a minor and an unarmed person from Umuoba Anam, as well as the retaliatory destruction of the Idigo Palace.
Both leaders called for an immediate cessation of hostilities and the prompt administration of justice.
Speaking as an observer on behalf of the Umueri community, Justice Charles C. Okaa appealed to the parties to exercise restraint. He also urged the State Government to enforce the 1982 Supreme Court judgment on boundary matters between Umueri and Aguleri as part of efforts to achieve a lasting resolution.
Following extensive deliberations, the stakeholders agreed on a series of measures aimed at restoring peace, promoting reconciliation and strengthening security.
The resolutions included an immediate ceasefire, the prosecution of perpetrators, accountability among community leaders and the rebuilding of the destroyed Idigo Palace.
The Judicial Commission of Inquiry was mandated to examine petitions, complaints and historical grievances relating to the crisis and submit a comprehensive report within four months.
The meeting ended with participating communities renewing their commitment to peace, reconciliation and harmonious coexistence.
The peace summit brought together traditional rulers, Presidents-General and other community leaders from Aguleri, Umueri and Anam.
Also in attendance were traditional rulers from Anambra South and Central Senatorial Districts, the Chairman of the Anambra State Traditional Rulers Council and key government officials.
