SOLUDO CONVENES PEACE SUMMIT OVER AGULERI, UMUOBA ANAM CRISIS

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By ‘Balogun Ibrahim

Anambra State Governor, Prof. Chukwuma Soludo, has convened a high-level stakeholders’ peace meeting to address the prolonged crisis between the Umuoba Anam and Aguleri communities in Anambra East Local Government Area.

The meeting, held at the Light House in Awka, brought together traditional rulers, presidents-general and community leaders from Aguleri, Umueri and Anam.

The communities have experienced a series of violent clashes that have reportedly claimed lives, left several people injured and led to the destruction of property, including the palace of a traditional ruler.

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According to a statement issued on Thursday by the governor’s Chief Press Secretary, Christian Aburime, Soludo expressed concern over the loss of lives and extensive destruction of property, describing the violence as unacceptable.

The governor directed security agencies to maintain a round-the-clock presence in the affected areas to prevent further escalation and assured the communities that his administration remained committed to pursuing peace and justice.

Community leaders, including Igwe Michael Idigo and Fidel Okafor, condemned the violence, particularly the killing of a minor and an unarmed person from Umuoba Anam, as well as the subsequent destruction of the historic Idigo Palace.

The leaders called for an immediate end to hostilities and the prompt prosecution of those responsible for the violence.

Speaking as an observer on behalf of the Umueri community, retired Justice Charles Okaa urged all sides to exercise restraint. He also called on the state government to enforce the 1982 Supreme Court judgment relating to boundary disputes between Umueri and Aguleri as part of efforts to achieve a lasting resolution.

Following extensive deliberations, stakeholders agreed on several measures aimed at restoring peace and security, including an immediate ceasefire, prosecution of perpetrators, accountability for community leadership and the reconstruction of the destroyed Idigo Palace.

Soludo described the attack on the traditional institution as an assault on the state’s heritage and announced that the state government would support the reconstruction of the palace.

The governor also established a Judicial Commission of Inquiry to investigate petitions, complaints and historical grievances surrounding the crisis.

The commission was given four months to submit its report.

The meeting ended with the participating communities renewing their commitment to ending the violence and promoting peaceful coexistence.