The Anambra State Government has ordered the immediate suspension of economic and other activities at Otuocha Company Market following an escalation of the dispute between Aguleri and Umuoba-Anam communities, which has reportedly left five people dead.
The Deputy Governor, Dr Onyekachukwu Ibezim, issued the directive while visiting the area on the instruction of Governor Chukwuma Soludo to assess the extent of damage caused by the crisis.
During the visit, an ABS crew observed that several houses and shops had been set ablaze, alongside a rice processing factory containing numerous bags of rice and other properties. Traders were also seen leaving the area with whatever goods they could salvage.
Ibezim, who chairs the Anambra State Boundary Committee, said all activities must remain suspended until the government concludes its investigations and takes appropriate action against those responsible for the incident.
He stressed that no community leader or local government chairman has the authority to determine boundaries between communities without the knowledge of the state government, noting that the State Boundary Committee is responsible for the monumentation of boundaries within the state.
In separate interviews, the Traditional Ruler of Aguleri, Igwe Michael Idigo, and his Umuoba-Anam counterpart, Igwe George Ekwealor, said the crisis began after Aguleri people attempted to install a signpost and security cameras in the market area.
They said their communities lost three and two persons respectively in the violence, while several others were hospitalised and valuable property destroyed.
The traditional rulers expressed appreciation to the Anambra State Government for its swift intervention, saying it helped avert further loss of lives and destruction.
Ibezim was accompanied during the visit by the Commissioner of Police, Mr Nnanna Oji; Deputy Chief of Staff to the Governor, Dr Vepor Egbuna; Special Assistant to the Governor on Boundary Matters, Mr Ekenechukwu Okoye, among others.
