Governor Charles Soludo of Anambra State has established a judicial commission of inquiry to investigate the recent intercommunal clash between Amaeze Aguleri and Umuoba Anam in Anambra East Local Government Area. The commission was set up during a stakeholders meeting at the Government House in Awka on Tuesday. The governor's spokesperson, Christian Aburime, announced the development in a statement on Wednesday. The commission is tasked with examining petitions, complaints, and historical grievances between the two warring communities.
The intercommunal clash between Amaeze Aguleri and Umuoba Anam has resulted in significant loss of life and property damage. At least five people have been killed, several houses have been razed, and livelihoods have been destroyed. The Anambra State Government has ordered the immediate closure of the Otuocha Market following the crisis. The governor has directed security agencies to maintain a robust presence in the affected zones to ensure compliance with his earlier ceasefire order.
During the stakeholders meeting, Governor Soludo expressed his administration's commitment to achieving lasting peace and justice across the state. He decried the tragic loss of lives and widespread destruction of properties, emphasizing that such lawlessness is unacceptable. The governor reassured all parties that his administration remains firm, fair, and uncompromising in its pursuit of peace and justice.
Traditional rulers from the Anambra South and Central senatorial districts attended the meeting, including the Chairman of the Anambra State Traditional Rulers Council, Chidubem Iweka. The traditional rulers condemned the hostilities, highlighting the tragic killings of a minor and an unarmed person from Umuoba Anam. They also lamented the retaliatory destruction of the Idigo Palace, the historic royal residence of Michael Idigo, the traditional ruler of the Aguleri Community.
Community leaders, including Charles Okaa, a retired justice, appealed for restraint and urged the state government to enforce the 1982 Supreme Court judgment concerning boundary matters between Umueri and Aguleri. This, they believe, could be a step toward a permanent resolution. The stakeholders reached a multi-point resolution to foster reconciliation and security, stressing the need for an immediate ceasefire and prosecution of perpetrators.
Governor Soludo condemned the attack on the traditional stool, describing it as an assault on the heritage of the state. He announced that the state government would actively assist in rebuilding the destroyed palace to restore traditional dignity. The Aguleri–Umuoba Anam dispute dates back decades, primarily revolving around a land and boundary dispute with competing claims over ownership of land around the Anambra River and adjoining areas.
The dispute has a long history, with previous clashes occurring in 2015, resulting in one person dead and several houses destroyed. Despite state government intervention, the clash resurfaced in 2025. Traditional rulers of the two communities have presented different accounts of the origin of the disagreement, with all laying claims to the ownership of the disputed land. The fresh violence has been attributed to the long-standing land dispute.
Key points
- Governor Charles Soludo sets up a judicial commission to investigate the intercommunal clash between Amaeze Aguleri and Umuoba Anam.
- The commission is tasked with examining petitions, complaints, and historical grievances between the two warring communities.
- The state government aims to achieve lasting peace and justice across the state.
