5 killed as violent inter-communal dispute rocks Anambra market

The Anambra State Government has ordered the immediate closure of Otuocha Market following a violent dispute between Aguleri and Umuoba-Anam communities that left five people dead.

The directive was issued by the Deputy Governor, Dr Onyekachukwu Ibezim, during an inspection visit to the communities affected by the crisis.

Ibezim, who also chairs the Anambra State Boundary Committee, said the decision was taken on the instruction of Governor Chukwuma Soludo.

He directed that all commercial and other activities at the market remain halted until investigations into the incident are concluded and appropriate measures are taken against those found responsible.

“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 demarcation and monumentation of boundaries within the state,” he said.

The crisis resulted in significant destruction of property, with several houses and shops, as well as a rice processing factory containing bags of rice, reportedly set ablaze.

Traders were also seen leaving the area with whatever goods they could salvage from the affected market.

Speaking separately to journalists, the traditional rulers of Aguleri and Umuoba-Anam, Igwe Michael Idigo and Igwe George Ekwealor, attributed the outbreak of violence to an attempt by people from Aguleri to erect a signpost and install security cameras within the market area.

According to the monarchs, three people were killed in Aguleri while two others died in Umuoba-Anam. They added that several people sustained injuries and were receiving treatment in hospitals, while property and other valuables were destroyed.

The traditional rulers praised the state government for its prompt response, saying the intervention helped to contain the situation and avert further loss of lives and property.

The deputy governor was accompanied during the assessment visit by the Commissioner of Police, Mr Nnanna Oji; Deputy Chief of Staff to the Governor, Dr Vepor Egbuna; and Special Assistant to the Governor on Boundary Matters, Mr Ekenechukwu Okoye, among other officials.