Anambra shuts market after palace burnt, five killed

The Anambra State Government has ordered the immediate closure of Otuocha Company Market following renewed violence between Aguleri and Umuoba-Anam communities in Anambra East Local Government Area.

The violence, which erupted amid a land dispute between the two communities, left five people dead, with several others injured and properties, including the palace of the traditional ruler of Aguleri, burnt.

The palace was set ablaze late on Friday by unknown persons following an exchange of gunfire in the area.

The fresh violence occurred shortly after a team led by the state Commissioner of Police, Nnanna Oji, and the Deputy Governor, Onyekachukwu Ibezim, visited the communities for an on-the-spot assessment.

During the visit, several houses, shops, a rice processing factory containing numerous bags of rice and other properties were found burnt, while traders reportedly fled the area with their remaining goods.

Residents alleged that the crisis was triggered by Aguleri Community’s attempt to erect a signpost and install Closed-Circuit Television cameras at the boundary between the two communities, which was opposed by Umuoba-Anam.

Following the renewed violence, Ibezim, who is also the Chairman of the Anambra State Boundary Committee, announced the closure of the market on the instruction of Governor Chukwuma Soludo.

He said the market would remain closed until the government concluded its assessment of the damage and investigations into the incident.

The market will remain shut until further notice to allow the state government to ascertain the level of damage caused by the crisis.

“And no activity will take place there until the state government completes necessary investigations and takes appropriate action against those responsible for the incident.

“No community leader or local government chairman has the authority to determine boundaries between communities without the knowledge of the state government. The State Boundary Committee is responsible for the monumentation of boundaries within the state,” he said.

Speaking in separate interviews, the traditional rulers of Aguleri and Umuoba-Anam, Igwe Michael Idigo and Igwe George Ekwealor, respectively, said the dispute escalated after Aguleri people attempted to erect a signpost and security cameras in the market area.

The monarchs said Aguleri lost three people while Umuoba-Anam lost two in the violence.

They also said several people were hospitalised and property was destroyed during the clash.

The traditional rulers commended the state government for its intervention, saying it helped prevent further casualties and destruction.

Meanwhile, the Anambra State Police Command condemned the renewed violence and alleged arson in the area.

In a statement on Saturday, the command’s spokesman, SP Tochukwu Ikenga, said the fresh violence was a breach of the peace agreement reached after the earlier intervention by security and government officials.

Ikenga said, “The Command strongly condemns the resort to violence, destruction of property and other acts capable of undermining the prevailing peace and security in the affected communities.

“The Command reiterates its commitment to maintaining law and order, while it commends community leaders, government officials, security stakeholders and residents who have continued to adhere to the agreed peace resolution and refrain from actions capable of escalating the situation.

“The peaceful resolution of disputes remains the most responsible path to sustainable peace and development.

“We urge all parties to exercise restraint and allow ongoing engagements and lawful processes to address their grievances.”

Ikenga warned that anyone found culpable after investigation would face prosecution.

“The Command also calls on traditional rulers, town union leaders, youth leaders, women’s groups and other stakeholders in both communities to continue to work with the Police and other security agencies in sustaining calm and preventing further escalation,” the statement added.

He urged residents to remain vigilant and provide credible information about persons or groups planning to disrupt the peace through appropriate security channels.