…As residents renew ago long hostilities over land
Anambra State governor, Willie Obiano, of has imposed a curfew on Aguleri, Umueri and Umuoba Anam towns, all in Anambra East Local Government Area.
The governor’s action followed an outbreak of communal fighting in the three towns.
In a statement, the governor said the curfew will last from 7pm to 7am daily, beginning Saturday, January 16, 2021.
The curfew in the first instance will last for three days. Violators of the curfew would be prosecuted, he warned.
It was learned that both communities have had a lingering dispute over the ownership of an area of land, which periodically led a bloody clash.
In the instant case, bloodshed was said to have been averted as a result of the swift response of security personnel who were alerted about the crisis, which the Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO) of the State’s Command, CSP Haruna Mohammed said it started about 7:15am on Saturday (Jan. 16, 2021)
He said on receiving distress call about the brewing crisis, the joint security team led by the Deputy Commissioner of Police in charge of operations, DCP Salman Dogo, mobilized to the communities for action.
“Following the distress calls, the Command quickly dispatched joint Police teams comprising PMF/RRS and other conventional units in collaboration with other security agencies led by the Deputy Commissioner of Police in charge of operations, DCP Salman Dogo to the scene.
“The situation was brought under control, while joint patrol is still ongoing to restore normalcy in the affected area,” he added.
Nonetheless, one building, four vehicles and two motorcycles were reportedly set ablaze by the combatants.
Consequently, the Commissioner of Police (CP) John B. Abang, directed the State CID, Awka to carry out discreet investigation with a view to bringing the perpetrators to justice.
The CP also warned both parties to maintain peace and explore all the legal avenues to resolve their grievances without resorting to violence.
He further assured that the government would find lasting solution to the age long dispute.