Two persons reportedly died on Saturday following a land dispute between Aguleri – home town of governor Willie Obiano and their neighbour Umueri, Anambra East local government area of Anambra state.
A source told Blueprint that the age-long dispute also led to destruction of farmlands, houses and vehicles belonging to both claimants of the land.
“It has been long we are pleading with the state government to provide a clear boundary between our community and Aguleri so as to avoid future crisis in the disputed area. But the government appeared to be uninterested.
“Since the coming of Obiano to power, his people have been laying claims to the place saying that nothing will happen because their brother is the governor. Yesterday, some of them went beyond the boundary again and we called them to order. That was how it all started; one of them was killed. They also killed one of us,” the source alleged.
But reacting, the Anambra State Police Public Relations Officer, CSP. Haruna Muhammed, said no life was lost even as the situation had been brought under control.
“Following a distress call, the Command quickly dispatched joint Police teams comprising PMF/RRS and other conventional units in collaboration with other security agencies led by the Deputy Commissioner of Police in charge of operations DCP Salman Dogo to the scene. The situation was brought under control, while joint patrol is still ongoing to restore normalcy in the affected areas.
“Meanwhile, no loss of lives and injuries have been reported. However, one building, four vehicles and two motorcycles were set ablaze by the warring factions. Consequently, the Commissioner of Police CP John B.Abang has directed the State CID Awka to carry out discreet investigation in order to ascertain circumstances surrounding the incident and bring perpetrators to book.
“Th CP also warned both parties to maintain peace and explore all the legal avenues to resolve their grievances without resorting to violence.He further assured both parties that he would contact the State Government to intervene in the matter in order to find lasting solution to the lingering problem,” he stated.
