Enugu community seeks Ugwuanyi ‘s intervention to end conflicts

Concerned citizens of Oruku Community, in Nkanu East Council, Enugu State, have appealed to the state governor, Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi, to implement committee’s recommendations on the crisis rocking the area to stop further killings and destruction of property.

They stated that no fewer than 10 persons have been killed, including the traditional ruler, Igwe Emmanuel Mba, with property worth several millions of naira destroyed, following fresh internal crisis that erupted in the community after the peace that was brokered between Oruku and Umuode communities by the governor two years ago.

One of the victims and Convener, Ije Udo Oruku Forum, Chukwukadibia Nnaji, stated that since the internal crisis erupted, armed groups now move freely to attack targets, stressing, however, that the intervention of the governor will stop further destruction of property, and protect fundamental rights of the defenceless and vulnerable men, women and children living in Oruku.

The peace advocate told reporters in Enugu that in December last year, Ngozi Ogbunaeke was tied to a tree and beaten mercilessly to the point of death by an armed group, who stormed the community.

Nnaji added that several other women had been beaten in the past.

He noted that, last year, gunmen also killed the Town Union President, Samuel Ani, and three other members of Oruku Neighbourhood watch and injured several others.

He added: “On December 25, 2022, Sunday Orji was shot and later died of bleeding. His death caused another phase of violence and burning of houses that had been carefully planned before late Sunday was shot.

“My house and my mother’s house were burnt on January 1, 2023, in another renewed attack. My crime is advocating for Oruku to stop armed conflict. Not less than 70 compounds, including that of Igwe elect, Ejike Ani, and Agozie Ani, were razed during the New Year attack in the community.”

On the cause of the internal crisis after Ugwuanyi settled the over 30 years communal clashes between Umuode and Oruku communities, Nnaji attributed it to the dissolution of the Town Union leadership for a caretaker committee, which was rejected by certain persons in the community.