Anambra East and West Stakeholders Meet to Resolve Communal Clash Over Fish Pond Ownership
A stakeholders’ meeting was held today, February 4, 2025, at the headquarters of Anambra East Local Government Area in Otuocha, to address the recent communal clash over fish pond ownership between Umuoji, Umuoba Anam, and Egbeagu village in Aguleri.
The meeting, presided over by Dr. Chinedu Emeka, former Deputy Governor of Anambra State, brought together top government officials, traditional rulers, and community leaders. They included Honourable Commissioner for Local Government, Chieftaincy, and Community Affairs, Chief TonyCollins Nwabunwanne; Hon. Julius Chukwuemeka, Commissioner for Electricity and Water Resources; and Hon. Chinedu Obidigwe, former House of Representatives member.
The meeting concluded with a commitment from all stakeholders to cooperate with the government and the peace committee in restoring peace, security, and stability to the affected areas.
EXCERPT
COMMUNIQUÉ ISSUED AT THE END OF A STAKEHOLDERS’ MEETING HELD AT THE HEADQUARTERS OF ANAMBRA EAST LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREA, OTUOCHA, ON FEBRUARY 4, 2025, TO ADDRESS THE COMMUNAL CLASH OVER FISH POND OWNERSHIP BETWEEN UMUOJI, UMUOBA ANAM, AND EGBEAGU, AGULERI
In response to the recent communal conflict over land and fish pond ownership between Umuoji, Umuoba Anam, and Egbeagu village in Aguleri, a stakeholders’ meeting was convened on February 4, 2025.
The meeting was presided over by Dr. Chinedu Emeka, former Deputy Governor of Anambra State. Also in attendance were the Honourable Commissioner for Local Government, Chieftaincy, and Community Affairs, Chief TonyCollins Nwabunwanne; Hon. Julius Chukwuemeka, Commissioner for Electricity and Water Resources; Hon. Chinedu Obidigwe, former House of Representatives member; the Mayor of Anambra East LGA, Sir Ifeanyi Chinweze and Hon. Fidelis Nnazor, Mayor of Anambra West LGA.
Resolutions Reached:
(1) Condemnation of Violence:
The meeting condemned in strong terms all forms of violence, killings, and unrest arising from disputes over land or fish ponds.(2) Formation of Peace and Reconciliation Committee:
– A Peace and Reconciliation Committee was constituted with the following mandate to restore lasting peace:
-Five representatives each from the warring communities (Umuoji and Egbeagu).
-Five neutral members from the larger (other) parts of Aguleri and Anam.
-The Divisional Police Officers (DPOs) of Anambra East and West LGAs.
– The Presidents General (PGs) of Umuoba Anam and Egbeagu communities.(3) Prosecution of Perpetrators:
The meeting resolved that all perpetrators of violence must be identified, arrested, and prosecuted by law enforcement authorities.(4) Separation of Issues:
It was agreed that land and fish pond disputes must be treated separately from criminal acts such as killings.(5) Recovery of Arms:
The Presidents General of the two communities were mandated to ensure that all arms and ammunition within their domains are removed from criminal elements.(6) Victim Documentation:
A resolution was made to specifically identify and ascertain the exact number of lives lost during the conflict.(7) Maintenance of Peace:
Traditional rulers were tasked with ensuring the maintenance of peace in their respective communities.(8) Conflict Prevention:
Communities were urged to always separate personal or private misunderstandings from public and communal disputes to avoid future conflicts.Attendees/Prominent dignitaries present included:
(1) Dr. Chinedu Emeka, former Deputy Governor of Anambra State
(2) Chief TonyCollins Nwabunwanne, Commissioner for Local Government, Chieftaincy, and Community Affairs (representing Governor Soludo)
(3) Hon. Julius Chukwuemeka, Commissioner for Electricity and Water Resources.
(4) Chief Chinedu Obidigwe, former House of Representatives member, Anambra East/West Federal Constituency.
(5) Hon. (Barr.) Obi Nweke, Member representing Anambra East at the State Assembly
(6) Sir Ifeanyi Ifeanyichukwu Chinweze, Mayor of Anambra East LGA
(7) Hon. Fidelis Nnazor, Mayor of Anambra West LGA
(8) HRM Igwe Ben Ekwealor, Obagu II of Umuoba Anam
(9) HRH Law Nwofia, Igwe of Eziagulu-Otu
(10) His Highness Igwe Joseph Ajodu of Ukwalla
(11) His Highness Igwe Pius Omachony of Olumbanasa
(12) Presidents General of Umuoba Anam and Aguleri etc.The meeting concluded with a commitment from all stakeholders to cooperate with the government and the peace committee in restoring peace, security, and stability to the affected areas.
Issued this 4th day of February 2025
