Aguleri-Umuoba-Anam Clash: Five Dead as Soludo Orders Immediate Ceasefire

Five people have been killed in renewed clashes between Amaeze Aguleri and Umuoba-Anam communities in Anambra East Local Government Area of Anambra State, prompting Governor Chukwuma Soludo to order an immediate ceasefire.

The violence erupted on October 1 amid renewed tension over a disputed boundary area. Reports from the affected communities said the latest confrontation followed an attempt by Aguleri residents to erect a signpost and install security cameras in the area, a move reportedly opposed by residents of Umuoba-Anam.

Three people from Aguleri and two from Umuoba-Anam were reported killed, while several others sustained injuries. Houses, shops, a rice-processing facility and other properties were also reportedly destroyed during the violence.

Deputy Governor Onyekachukwu Ibezim, accompanied by Commissioner of Police Nnanna Oji Ama and other security officials, visited the affected communities on October 2 for an assessment of the situation. The officials appealed to the communities to end hostilities and work with the government and security agencies to restore calm.

Violence reportedly resumed later that day, with the palace of Aguleri traditional ruler Igwe Michael Idigo among properties said to have been set ablaze. The state government subsequently ordered the indefinite closure of Otuocha Company Market following the renewed violence.
Soludo’s Chief Press Secretary, Christian Aburime, said on October 4 that the governor had directed both communities to cease all hostilities, maintain peace and exercise restraint. He also ordered that grievances and claims arising from the dispute be presented through designated representatives at an emergency peace and security meeting.

The meeting is scheduled for Wednesday, October 7, at the Light House in Awka. Soludo also ordered the deployment of additional security personnel, including police officers, to the affected areas to protect lives and property and prevent further violence.
Former Anambra governor Willie Obiano, who is from Aguleri, has also appealed to both communities to embrace peace and cooperate with the government and security agencies. Traditional rulers and other stakeholders have similarly called for an end to the violence, warning that continued clashes could lead to further deaths and destruction.