The Anambra state government has ordered the closure of Otuocha market after an inter-communal dispute between Aguleri and Umuoba-Anam communities left five people dead.
Onyekachukwu Ibezim, deputy governor of Anambra, gave the
directive during an assessment visit to the affected communities on Friday.
NAN reports that several houses, shops, a rice processing
factory containing bags of rice and other public property were razed during the
crisis.
Ibezim, who is also chairman of the state boundary
committee, said the closure was ordered by Chukwuma Soludo, the state governor.
He said all economic and other activities in 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.”
NAN reports that some traders were seen fleeing the area
with their remaining goods.
The traditional rulers of Aguleri and Umuoba-Anam, Igwe
Michael Idigo and Igwe George Ekwealor, as saying that the crisis started when
people from Aguleri attempted to erect a signpost and install security cameras
in the market area.
They said three people were killed in Aguleri and two in
Umuoba-Anam, while several others were hospitalised and valuables destroyed.
The traditional rulers commended the state government for
its swift intervention, saying it helped prevent further casualties and
destruction.
Tochukwu Ikenga, the police public relations officer, said
the visit to the affected communities and flashpoints enabled stakeholders to
identify immediate and sustainable measures to restore peace, strengthen
security and prevent further escalation.
The police urged residents to cooperate with security
agencies by providing credible and timely information.
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