REPORTER: UCHE NDEKE
The Anambra State Government has ordered the immediate suspension of all economic and other activities at the Otuocha market following a dispute between Aguleri and Umuoba-Anam communities that claimed five lives.
The directive was given by the Deputy Governor of Anambra State, Dr Onyekachukwu Ibezim, who is also the Chairman of Anambra State Boundary Committee.
The Deputy Governor acted on the directive of Governor Chukwuma Soludo during a visit to the area to assess the damage caused by the crisis..
Dr Ibezim warned that no activity would be allowed in the market until the government completes necessary investigations and take appropriate actions 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, adding that the State Boundary Committee is solely responsible for the demarcation of boundaries within the state.
In separate interviews, the Traditional Ruler of Aguleri, Igwe Michael Idigo, and his Umuoba-Anam counterpart, Igwe George Ekwealor, explained that the crisis erupted when Aguleri indigenes attempted to mount a signpost and security cameras in the market area.
They said that apart from the five deaths recorded in the crisis, some others persons were hospitalised and valuable property worth millions of naira were destroyed.
The traditional rulers thanked the Anambra State Government for its swift intervention, which they said helped to prevent further casualties and destruction.
The Deputy Governor was accompanied to the scene by the Commissioner of Police, in Anambra State Mr Nnanna Oji and government officials.
Correspondent Uche Ndeke reports that many houses, shops and a rice processing by factory with several bags of rice were destroyed during the incident.
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