By Izunna Okafor, Awka
The Anambra State Police Command has confirmed the death of one person in the renewed communal crisis between Aguleri and Umuoba Anam communities in Anambra East Local Government Area of the state.
The State Commissioner of Police, CP Nnanna Oji Ama, also visited the scene of the crisis and the affected areas in the company of the Deputy Governor, Dr. Onyekachukwu Ibezim, among other top government and security officials, for an on-the-spot assessment.
The visit on Friday came amid heightened tension in the area following the latest confrontation, with several people reportedly injured and properties destroyed in the clash.
Confirming the visit in a statement issued to newsmen on Friday, the Police Public Relations Officer in the State, SP Tochukwu Ikenga, said the delegation inspected the crisis-hit locations to ascertain the situation on the ground and determine measures needed to prevent further escalation.
The police said the assessment enabled the Commissioner and other stakeholders to establish the extent of the damage and the effect of the crisis on residents, while the death of one victim was confirmed during the visit.
The Commissioner of Police, during Friday’s assessment, appealed to residents of both communities to remain calm and avoid actions that could worsen the situation, while also assuring them that the Command was already taking measures to protect lives and property and restore normalcy.
CP Ama urged residents to provide security agencies with credible and timely information that could assist efforts to contain the crisis, stressing that maintaining peace in the affected communities required the cooperation of residents and other stakeholders.
On his own part, the Deputy Governor, Dr. Ibezim, who is also the Chairman of the State Boundary Committee, called on traditional rulers, community leaders, town unions, youth organisations and other stakeholders to work with the government and security agencies in finding a lasting solution to the crisis.
The Deputy Governor stressed that security could not be sustained by government and security agencies alone, urging the various stakeholders to take responsibility for maintaining peace and preventing the dispute from developing into a wider communal confrontation.
The delegation reassured that security measures had been put in place to stabilise the affected areas and prevent further breaches of peace, even as the government and other stakeholders continue to explore dialogue and other lawful means of addressing the issues behind the crisis.
Reports have it that the renewed violence between Aguleri and Umuoba Anam has revived concerns over the long-running boundary and land-related disagreements involving communities in the area.
The State Boundary Committee had earlier this year engaged the parties over the dispute, with the Deputy Governor and Chairman of the Committee calling on the communities to pursue a peaceful resolution and avoid activities capable of threatening lives and property.
Following the latest security concerns, the Anambra East Local Government Area had imposed a night curfew on Aguleri and Umuoba Anam from 6 p.m. to 7 a.m. daily, directing residents and business owners to remain indoors during the restricted hours while exempting authorised security personnel and genuine emergency responders.
