Five killed in Aguleri-Umuoba-Anam clash, Soludo summons stakeholders - The Guardian Nigeria News
The death toll from the renewed clash between Amaeze Aguleri and Umuoba-Anam communities in Anambra East Local Council of Anambra State has risen to five, as Governor Chukwuma Soludo ordered an immediate ceasefire and summoned stakeholders from both communities to an emergency peace and security meeting. Β The meeting is scheduled for Wednesday, October 7, 2026, at the Light House, Awka, where the governor is expected to address the underlying issues behind the long-running dispute and seek a lasting resolution. Β The latest violence erupted on Thursday, October 1, reportedly following renewed tension over a disputed boundary area where Aguleri residents were said to have attempted to erect a signpost and install security cameras.Β Β The move was reportedly opposed by residents of Umuoba-Anam. Β The clash escalated over the following days, leaving three people from Aguleri and two from Umuoba-Anam dead, while several others sustained injuries. Houses, shops, a rice-processing facility and other property were also reportedly destroyed. Β On Friday, October 2, Deputy Governor Onyekachukwu Ibezim, accompanied by Commissioner of Police Nnanna Oji Ama and other security officials, visited the affected communities for an on-the-spot assessment.
The officials appealed to the warring parties to sheathe their swords and work with the government and security agencies to restore peace. Β Despite the intervention, violence reportedly resumed later on Friday, with the palace of the traditional ruler of Aguleri, Igwe Michael Idigo, among properties reportedly set ablaze. The renewed violence prompted the state government to close Otuocha Company Market indefinitely. Β By Saturday, October 3, the police and government officials were intensifying security measures in the area, while traditional rulers and community leaders appealed to residents to avoid further violence. Β In a statement issued yesterday, October 4, his Chief Press Secretary, Christian Aburime, said Soludo had directed Amaeze Aguleri and Umuoba-Anam to immediately cease all hostilities, maintain absolute peace and exercise restraint. Β The governor further directed that all grievances, claims and presentations arising from the dispute should be channelled through designated representatives of the two communities at the October 7 emergency meeting. Β Β He also ordered the deployment of additional security personnel, including the police, to the affected areas to protect lives and property and prevent further breaches of the peace. Β Former governor Willie Obiano, who hails from Aguleri, has also appealed to both communities to embrace peace and cooperate with the state government and security agencies. Β Similarly, traditional rulers and other stakeholders have urged the communities to end the violence, warning that continued hostilities would only bring further loss of lives, destruction of property and setbacks to development.
