Five killed, property destroyed in renewed communal clash in Anambra

Five persons have been allegedly killed, buildings and vehicles worth millions of naira burnt down in a renewed communal clash between Umueri and Aguleri communities, Anambra East Local Government Area of Anambra State.

Sources from the communities who never wanted their names on prints told Daily Trust that renewed communal war erupted on Saturday and there were causalities and lost property worth millions of naira.

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According the sources, the neighboring communities were having peace meetings when the peace talk suddenly collapsed and war broke out.

However, the police in Anambra State said that there was no lost of life as they averted crisis between the two communities.

The command spokesman, CSP Haruna Mohammed in a statement on Saturday said that on 16/1/2021 at about 7:15am there was a report of crisis between Umueri and Aguleri Communities both in Anambra East LGA of Anambra State over a disputed area of land which both Communities were laying claim to.

According to him, following the distress call, the Command quickly dispatched joint Police teams comprising PMF/RRS and other conventional units in collaboration with other Security agencies led by the Deputy Commissioner of Police in charge of operations DCP Salman Dogo to the scene.

He said the situation has been brought under control, while joint patrol is still ongoing to restore normalcy in the affected areas.

He said “Meanwhile, no loss of lives and injuries have been reported. However, One building, four vehicles and two motorcycles were set ablaze by the warring factions”

Consequently, the Commissioner of Police CP John B. Abang has directed the State CID Awka to carry out discreet investigation in order to ascertain circumstances surrounding the incident and bring perpetrators to book.

The CP also warned both parties to maintain peace and explore legal avenues to resolve their grievances without resorting to violence.

He further assured both parties that he would contact the State Government to intervene in the matter in order to find lasting solution to the lingering problem.

• Obiano imposes 3 days curfew communities

Meanwhile, Governor Willie Obiano has imposed a curfew on Aguleri, Umueri and Umuoba Anam towns, in Anambra East local government area following the deadly clash.

The curfew was meant to stem further break down of law and order in the three communities.

Governor Obiano was quoted in a statement saying that the curfew will last from 7pm to 7am daily, beginning from Saturday, 16th January, 2021.

The curfew which is in the first instance is expected last for three days. According to the statement any violators of the curfew would be prosecuted.