Apprehension in Anambra community over land dispute, alleged influx of herdsmen

Some residents of rural communities of Omor and Anaku, both in Ayamelum Local Government Area of Anambra State may have fled their homes following a clash over disputed land.

Similarly, there are palpable apprehension in Isuanocha community and neighbouring towns of Mgbakwu, Amanuke and Urum all in Awka South Local Government Area and Okpuno in Awka North Local Government Area of the state after a truck allegedly dumped scores of Fulani herdsmen at weekend.

In the fracas that ensued between Omor and Anaku, about 14 persons were injured, while four of them, according to an eyewitness, were in critical conditions.

No fewer than four buildings have been reportedly burnt, including the house of former Anambra State Commissioner for Transport, Dr. Christian Madubuko.

An eyewitness, Mike Nebife from Omor community claimed that the council chairman had last year resolved the dispute in favour of his community, wondering why Anaku stormed the land and started erecting beacons, and allegedly inflicting many with matchete cuts.

It was gathered that the former chief judge of the state, Justice P.A.C. Obidigwe from Omor town was among those attacked.

Angered by the attack, some angry youths from Omor invaded Anaku community, the headquarters of Ayamelum and allegedly torched some buildings, including homes of a former commissioner for transport and the late traditional ruler of Anaku community on Sunday morning.

The president-general of Anaku, Friday Nwuba confirmed Omor people invaded Anaku on Sunday morning, destroying houses and vehicles.

When contacted over the incident, the Anambra State Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), DSP Tochukwu Ikenga said the Commissioner of Police, Christopher Owolabi and a team of officers and men had visited the two communities early Sunday morning.

Also, some residents of Isuaniocha community, in the Awka North Local Council Area of the state who fled to Awka, the state capital, for safety on Saturday night over alleged influx of suspected Fulani herdsmen told The Guardian that some locals saw a truck loaded with Fulani men in the community.

Consequently, “The President-General of the community, Frank Okpume, in a statement alleged that the vehicle zoomed off immediately after dropping the suspected strangers.

The president-general of Isuanocha, urged residents to be vigilant.