By Sarah Ezeh
The Anambra State Government has suspended all economic activities at Otuocha Company Market following a violent confrontation between Aguleri and Umuoba-Anam communities in Anambra East Local Government Area of the state.
The Deputy Governor, Dr Onyekachukwu Ibezim announced the suspension during an inspection of the affected area on the instruction of Governor Chukwuma Charles Soludo.
Ibezim, who is Chairman of the State Boundary Committee, said the market would remain closed pending government investigations and appropriate action against those responsible for the violence.
He warned that no community leader or local government chairman had the authority to determine or alter boundaries between communities without the involvement of the state government.
Ibezim said the State Boundary Committee was responsible for the monumentation of boundaries within the state.
Several houses and shops were burnt during the clash, while a rice-processing factory containing bags of rice and other property was also damaged. Traders were seen leaving the area with their remaining goods.
The traditional rulers of Aguleri and Umuoba-Anam, Igwe Michael Idigo and Igwe George Ekwealor, respectively, said five people were killed in the confrontation — three from Aguleri and two from Umuoba-Anam.
They also said several others were injured and hospitalised, while valuable property was destroyed.
The traditional rulers said the crisis followed an attempt by Aguleri people to erect a signpost and install security cameras in the disputed market area.
They commended the state government for its intervention, saying it helped prevent further casualties and destruction.
Ibezim was accompanied by the Commissioner of Police, CP Nnanna Oji Ama; Deputy Chief of Staff to the Governor, Dr Vepor Egbuna; Special Assistant to the Governor on Boundary Matters, Mr Ekenechukwu Okoye, and other government and security officials.
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