By Okechukwu Onuegbu
At least one person has reportedly died and scores injured in a renewed land dispute between Amaeze Aguleri and Umuoba Anam communities in Anambra East Local Government Area, Anambra State.
The Anambra State Commissioner of Police, CP Nnanna Oji Ama, who confirmed the report through the Command's Public Relations Officer, Mr Tochukwu Ikenga, explained that the State government and other security agencies have conducted an on-the-spot assessment of the crisis-affected areas.
According to him, peace is currently returning in the two communities which have been in war since 1999 as operatives have been deployed to the area to maintain law and order.
He added that the police Commissioner has led Deputy Governor, Dr Onyekachukwu Ibezim, alongside other top government officials, security agencies and critical stakeholders, on an on-the-spot assessment of the crisis-affected areas of Aguleri and Umuoba Anam communities.
"CP Nnanna Oji Ama further called on the people of Aguleri and Umuoba Anam to remain calm, refrain from actions capable of escalating the situation, and cooperate with the Police and other security agencies by providing credible and timely information that could assist ongoing security operations and peace-building efforts.
"In a similar vein, the Deputy Governor, Dr Onyekachukwu Ibezim, urged traditional rulers, community leaders, youth organisations, town unions and other stakeholders to work collaboratively with the government and security agencies towards achieving lasting peace in the area. He reiterated that security is a shared responsibility requiring the cooperation and commitment of all stakeholders.
"The Command assures residents of Aguleri and Umuoba Anam that appropriate security measures are being emplaced to stabilise the affected areas and prevent further breaches of peace, while efforts are ongoing to address the underlying issues through dialogue and other lawful channels," he added.