Two dead as Aguleri/ Umueri crisis take bloody dimension

No fewer than two persons on Saturday lost their lives in a fresh Aguleri/ Umueri communal conflict in the Anambra East Local Government Area of Anambra State.

It was gathered that a house and five vehicles were razed in the melee while some were reportedly wounded.

The two communities had between 1998 and 1999 waged war against each other during which many people were killed and property destroyed.

An eyewitness, who spoke on condition of anonymity, told our correspondent that the crisis erupted on Saturday morning over a land dispute. He said, “Two persons were killed in the clash today (Saturday).”

A statement by the Police Public Relations Officer in the state, Haruna Mohammed, said vehicles and a house were burnt in the crisis. It added that the situation had been brought under control and investigation commenced to ascertain circumstances surrounding the incident.

The statement read in part, “On Saturday around 7.15am, there was a report of a crisis between Umueri and Aguleri communities both in Anambra East LGA of Anambra State over a disputed area of land to which both communities were laying claim of ownership.

“Following the distress call, the command quickly dispatched a joint police team comprising PMF/RRS and other conventional units in collaboration with other security agencies led by the Deputy Commissioner of Police in charge of operations, Salman Dogo, to the scene.

“The situation was brought under control, while joint patrol is still ongoing to restore normalcy to the affected areas. No deaths and injuries have been reported. However, one building, four vehicles and two motorcycles were set ablaze by the warring factions.”

The statement added, “The CP also warned both parties to maintain peace and explore legal avenues to resolve their grievances without resorting to violence. He further assured both parties that he would contact the state government to intervene in the matter to find a lasting solution to the lingering problem.”