Soludo Sets Up Commission Of Inquiry On Aguleri- Umuoba Anam Communal Feud
Gov. Chukwuma Soludo of Anambra has set up a Commission of Enquiry to investigate the remote and immediate cause of the dispute between Aguleri and Umuoba Anam Communities in Anambra East Local Government Area.
The Commission was part of the outcomes of peace meeting he converned between the two communities and other stakeholders in Government House, Awka on Tuesday.
Recall that Aguleri and Umuoba Anam on Oct. 1 engaged in a deadly war that claimed lives and property over a protracted land dispute.
Soludo lamented the tragic loss of lives and the widespread destruction of properties, saying that such lawlessness was entirely unacceptable to his administration.
He ordered a ceasefire and directed security agencies to maintain a robust, round-the-clock presence in the affected areas to ensure full compliance.
The governor assured all parties that his government remained firm, fair, and uncompromising in the pursuit of lasting peace and justice across the state.
He condemed the attack on the traditional stool as an assault on the heritage of the state and promised that his administration would assist in rebuilding the destroyed palace and restore traditional dignity.
Soludo also empanelled a Judicial Commission of Inquiry to thoroughly examine all petitions, complaints, and historical grievances.
“This Commission has the mandate to submit its comprehensive report within four months,” it said.
In their separate remarks, Igwe Michael Idigo, the traditional ruler of Aguleri and Mr Fidel Okafor, a community leader in Umuoba Anam condemned the hostilities.
They highlighted 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 the call for an immediate cessation of violence and the swift delivery of justice.
Also speaking, the Justice Charles C. Okaa (Rtrd) from Umueri 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 concluded with a renewed, solemn commitment by all participating communities to embrace peace and harmonious coexistence.
Those in attendance were traditional rulers, Presidents General, and community leaders from both communities, traditional rulers from the Anambra South and Central Senatorial Districts, the Chairman of the Anambra State Traditional Rulers Council, and key government officials.
