Anambra State Governor, Prof. Chukwuma Soludo, has moved to address the prolonged conflict involving the Umuoba Anam and Aguleri communities in Anambra East Local Government Area by setting up a Judicial Commission of Inquiry.
The governor’s intervention followed a high-level peace meeting held at the Light House in Awka, where traditional rulers, community leaders and presidents-general from Aguleri, Umueri and Anam gathered to discuss the crisis.
The dispute has reportedly led to deaths and injuries, while several properties were destroyed, including the palace of a traditional ruler.
According to a statement issued on Thursday by Soludo’s Chief Press Secretary, Christian Aburime, the governor expressed concern over the violence and destruction, stressing that such acts would not be tolerated by his administration.
The statement read, “To ensure compliance, the governor directed security agencies to maintain a robust, round-the-clock presence in the affected zones, reassuring all parties that the government remains firm, fair, and uncompromising in its pursuit of lasting peace and justice across the state.
“Community leaders, including Igwe Michael Idigo and Fidel Okafor, strongly condemned the hostilities, specifically highlighting the tragic killings of a minor and an unarmed person from Umuoba Anam, alongside the retaliatory destruction of the revered Idigo Palace.
“Both leaders were, however, united in a call for an immediate cessation of violence and the swift delivery of justice.
“Speaking as an observer on behalf of the Umueri community, Retired Justice Charles Okaa appealed for restraint and urged the state government to enforce the 1982 Supreme Court judgment concerning boundary matters between Umueri and Aguleri as a step toward permanent resolution.”
The meeting ended with stakeholders agreeing on measures aimed at restoring peace, including an immediate halt to hostilities, prosecution of those responsible for the violence, accountability for community leadership and the reconstruction of the damaged Idigo Palace.
Soludo also announced government support for the rebuilding of the traditional ruler’s palace, describing the attack on the traditional institution as an affront to the state’s heritage.
Beyond the peace efforts, the governor approved the establishment of a Judicial Commission of Inquiry to investigate petitions, complaints and historical grievances connected to the crisis.
The commission is expected to complete and submit its report within four months.
The stakeholders subsequently reaffirmed their commitment to ending the hostilities and promoting peaceful coexistence among the affected communities.
