Five people have been killed following a violent clash between Aguleri and Umuoba-Anam communities in Anambra East Local Government Area of Anambra State.
Gatekeepers News reports that the incident was linked to a longstanding boundary dispute between the two neighbouring communities and occurred around the Otuocha Market area. According to reports, three people were killed in Aguleri while two others died in Umuoba-Anam. Several people were also injured and taken to hospitals for treatment.
The violence also resulted in the destruction of houses, shops, a rice-processing factory and other property. Some traders reportedly fled the market with whatever goods they could salvage as tensions escalated.
The immediate trigger for the latest confrontation was reportedly an attempt by people from Aguleri to erect a signpost and install security cameras around the disputed market area. Traditional rulers from both communities, Igwe Michael Idigo of Aguleri and Igwe George Ekwealor of Umuoba-Anam, gave the account while speaking with journalists.
Following the violence, the Anambra State Government ordered the immediate closure of Otuocha Market. Deputy Governor Onyekachukwu Ibezim announced the directive during an assessment visit to the affected communities on Friday.
Ibezim, who chairs the Anambra State Boundary Committee, said all economic and other activities at the market would remain suspended pending the conclusion of investigations and appropriate action against those responsible.
“No community leader or local government chairman has the authority to determine boundaries between communities without the knowledge of the state government,” he said.
“The State Boundary Committee is responsible for the demarcation and monumentation of boundaries within the state.”
The state government and security agencies subsequently visited the affected areas to assess the damage and work out measures to restore peace. Police spokesperson Tochukwu Ikenga said the visit enabled stakeholders to identify immediate and longer-term steps to strengthen security and prevent further escalation.
The latest violence comes months after the Anambra East Local Government Area administration said it was working to address the Aguleri–Umuoba-Anam boundary dispute through dialogue and a fact-based investigation.
The traditional rulers of both communities appealed for calm and commended the state government’s intervention, which they said helped prevent further casualties and destruction.
