Elochukwu Benjamin
Awka
The immediate past Governor of Anambra State, Chief Willie Obiano, has called on the people of Aguleri and Umuoba Anam in Anambra East Council Area to immediately cease hostilities and sheathe their swords to allow the State Government to amicably mediate in the dispute that has resulted in the wanton destruction of lives and property.
Chief Obiano, who made the call in a statement on Sunday, by his media aide, Sir Paul Nwosu, disclosed that he had a long and fruitful discussion with his successor, Governor Chukwuma Soludo, on the crisis.
According to him, Governor Soludo demonstrated a clear understanding of the issues involved and assured him that he had already waded into the matter, including the deployment of the police and military to quell further hostilities.
He said the Governor is determined to get to the root of the matter.
Chief Obiano, who hails from Aguleri, appealed to both communities to lay down their arms and fully cooperate with the government and law enforcement agencies.
He said that despite the sacrilegious burning of the palaces of the present and former Igwe Aguleri, as well as other properties around Ama Igwe, the communities must resist further escalation to avert more carnage and loss of lives and pave the way for lasting peace.
Meanwhile, Governor Soludo has summoned an emergency peace and security meeting with key stakeholders from the affected communities, following the bloody clashes, which tragically resulted in loss of life and injuries.
In a statement late Sunday by the Chief Press Secretary to Governor Soludo, Mr Christian Aburime said the governor was saddened over the casualties and injuries sustained during the clash, reiterating that violence, bloodshed, and destruction of property have no place in a peaceful and prosperous Anambra State.
“To address the root causes of this long-standing dispute and achieve a lasting resolution, Governor Soludo has convened an emergency peace and security meeting with key stakeholders from the affected communities to hold on Wednesday, 5th October, 2026 at the Light House
“In the interim, the Governor has issued a stern directive ordering both communities to immediately cease all forms of hostilities, maintain absolute peace, and exercise restraint. All grievances, claims, and presentations must be channeled exclusively through their designated stakeholders at the upcoming Awka meeting.
“Furthermore, security agencies, including the Police have been fully deployed to the area to enforce law and order, safeguard lives, and prevent any further breach of the peace.
“Governor Soludo reassures all citizens of Anambra State of his administration’s unwavering commitment to the protection of lives, property, and the peaceful resolution of communal disputes across the state,” the statement said.
