No fewer than 18 houses have been destroyed in a renewed crisis between Umuleri and Aguleri communities in Anambra State.
The President General of Umuleri community, Chief Pius Okonkwo, disclosed this in a press conference on Tuesday in Awka, Anambra State.
He called on the State Governor, Chief Willie Obiano, who hails from Aguleri to intervene to save the two communities from more catastrophic consequences.
Speaking through the assistant secretary of the town, Chief Edwin Obigwe, Okonkwo accused Aguleri of serial and illegal acquisition of Umueri land.
Okonkwo, who traced the crisis between the two communities to Nigeria’s pre-independence, said there was need to have peace now.
He said, “ Umueri people want peace. We do not want to fight wars with any of our neigbours. This is because we believe wars are anathema, ill winds which blow no one any good.
“Specifically, Umueri wants enduring and genuine peace with Aguleri.
“This is because we have built relationships (personal as well as business and even religious) with Aguleri people over several decades, if not centuries. We cherish these relationships and want to protect them.
“We appeal to the governor of Anambra State, Chief Dr. Willie Obiano who hails from Aguleri, to use this opportunity of being at the helm of affairs in our state to put in place the machinery for achieving genuine peace between Aguleri ,his community, and Umueri.
“This appeal to Gov. Willie Obiano is made even as we hear from some quarters that he is actually the person who is instigating his people of Aguleri to cash in upon this ‘golden opportunity’ provided by his stint to acquire as much Umueri land as possible.
“We do not want to believe this story, but we are also worried that his people are spoiling for war at a time when he is facing re-election challenges.
“We call on the Anambra State Government to quickly implement the recommendations contained in the white paper issued by Government after the infamous 1999 hostility between our two communities. The said recommendations are quite sound and their implementation, will no doubt, bring total peace to our beleaguered area.
“Less than a month ago, some Aguleri citizens invaded Ovelle’s road (Ezi Ovelle) area in Umueri,-an area which boundary demarcation was done between our forefathers and Aguleri people. They destroyed several houses and fences and wounded innocent Umueri people.
“God- fearing Aguleri people under the aegis of Urnuiyi family led by Bishop Anenechukwu Ifediorah told their fellow Aguleri people in unequivocal terms that the Ezi Ovelle axis is clearly Umueri Land.
“That sincere declaration did not go down well with some Aguleri citizens who threatened their lives and when they escaped, they burnt their houses; over 18 houses were completely razed down”.
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