ANAMBRA STATE GOVT IMPOSE 3-DAY CURFEW AS UMUERI & AGULERI COMMUNITIES CLASH OVER LAND

Reporter : UCHE NDEKE & ONYINYE CHIJIOBI

Police in Anambra State say one building, four vehicles, two motorcycles are among property burnt during a misunderstanding between youths of Umueri and Aguleri communities in Anambra East Local Government Area.

A statement by the Police Public Relations Officer in the State, Mr. Haruna Muhammed, says no loss of life or injury has been reported in the incident.

According the statement, crisis began at about 7am Saturday (January 16, 2021) as the two communities struggled over ownership of a disputed area of land.

The situation led to crisis point as youths from both communities went on rampage destroying property.

The statement explains that following the distress situation, the police command quickly dispatched joint Police team in collaboration with other security agencies led by Deputy Commissioner of Police in charge of operations, Mr. Salman Dogo, to the scene.

It noted that the situation was brought under control while a joint patrol was still on to restore normalcy in the affected areas.

The statement says the Commissioner of Police, Mr. John Abang, has directed a discreet investigation in order to ascertain the circumstances surrounding the incident and bring perpetrators to book.

The statement adds that the Police Commissioner also warns both parties to maintain peace and explore all legal avenues to resolve their grievances without resorting to violence.

In the meantime, Governor Willie Obiano of Anambra State has imposed a 3-Day curfew on Aguleri, Umueri and Umuoba -Anam communities in Anambra East Local Government Area.

A statement issued by the Governor explains that the curfew is to stem the outbreak of communal violence reported in the three towns.

The statement explains that the curfew which started Saturday January 16, 2021 will last from 7pm to 7am for the three days.

It further warns that violators of the curfew will be prosecuted.