Anambra State Governor, Prof. Chukwuma Charles Soludo, has ordered an immediate end to hostilities between Aguleri and Umuoba Anam communities in Anambra East Local Government Area following a clash that reportedly left people dead and others injured.
The governor also summoned an emergency peace and security meeting with key stakeholders from the two communities as part of efforts to halt further violence and address the issues underlying the dispute.
In a statement issued by his Chief Press Secretary, Christian Aburime, on Tuesday, Soludo expressed sadness over the incident and called on the communities to immediately cease hostilities and maintain peace and restraint.
The meeting is scheduled to hold on Wednesday, October 7, 2026, at the Light House in Awka, where representatives of the affected communities are expected to present their grievances and claims.
Soludo directed both communities to channel all grievances and claims through their designated representatives at the meeting rather than resorting to violence.
He also directed security agencies, including the police, to intensify their presence in the affected area to protect lives and property and prevent further violence.
The governor’s intervention comes amid concerns over the renewed hostilities between the neighbouring communities, with the reported loss of life and injuries heightening the need for immediate measures to prevent further escalation.
Soludo reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to resolving communal disputes through peaceful means and maintaining security across Anambra State.
He urged residents of the affected communities to exercise restraint and cooperate with security agencies and the peace process to restore calm in the area.
According to reports, the dispute is a longstanding land and boundary disagreement in Anambra East Local Government Area. The latest violence, which erupted in early October 2026, reportedly left five people dead and several others injured, while several houses and shops, a rice-processing factory and other property were destroyed.
Reports quoting traditional rulers of the two communities, the immediate disagreement was linked to an attempt by Aguleri residents to erect a signpost and install closed-circuit television cameras around the disputed boundary area, an action reportedly opposed by Umuoba Anam.
The state government had previously referred the boundary matter to its Boundary Committee for resolution.
The renewed violence also prompted the Anambra State Government to close Otuocha Market pending investigations and appropriate action.
The latest incident has renewed calls for peaceful resolution of the longstanding dispute and heightened security measures to prevent further violence in the affected communities.
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