Ozoemena Decries Aguleri-Umuoba Anam War, Denies Allegation Of Complicity
Chief Nonso Ozoemena, a businessman, has called on youths of Aguleri and Umuoba Anam to end the ongoing violence against each other and embrace dialogue.
Ozoemena who is the founder and Executive Director of Ugegbe Foundation made the call as effort to douse tension and restore peace in the area continues.
Recall that the two neighbouring communities went to war last week over a lingering land dispute between the neighbouring communities.
Ozoemena, an indigene of Umuoba Anam in a statement , described the clashes, loss of lives and destruction of property as unfortunate and unnecessary.
He said neither community could achieve meaningful development in an atmosphere of fear, hostility and insecurity.
“Violence does not solve any problem, the only sustainable path to resolving this dispute is through dialogue, understanding and respect for the peace process,” he said.
Ozoemena dismissed the allegations that he was involved in financing the conflict or supporting what was described as the “war efforts” of Umuoba Anam.
He said ggf allegations were falsehood being peddled by fifth columnists who were trying to damage his reputation and expose him to danger.
He regretted that the claims had prompted a military search of his residence.
“It has come to my notice that my name and my residence were being erroneously roped into this violent conflict, thereby making me a target.
“The barefaced lie and smear campaign put together by fifth columnists to tarnish my hard-earned reputation has fallen flat on its face.
“The military carried out a search of my house and checked on me and found nothing incriminating.
“This highlights the dangers of spreading unverified information, particularly when tensions are already high.
‘I Remain Committed to Peace,” he said.
Ozoemena reiterated his commitment to peaceful coexistence between Aguleri and Umuoba Anam, saying his origin and relationships within both communities should not be interpreted as support for violence.
He said he would continue to support every legitimate effort to ensure that our people lived together peacefully while calling on those fuelling the crisis to desist from activities capable of escalating tensions.
“This is not the time to deepen divisions or encourage young people to take up arms against one another.
“Youths on both sides must resist attempts to recruit them into violence, they should channel their energy towards productive ventures and community development.
“He said the future of both communities depended largely on whether the younger generations would choose development over confrontation.
“I call on traditional and community leaders, parents, youth organisations and other stakeholders to intensify reconciliation efforts and pursue peaceful mechanisms for resolving outstanding grievances over the disputed land,” he said.
