5 killed in a communal clash over a boundary dispute in Anambra, Nigeria

A violent inter-communal clash triggered by a long-standing boundary dispute has left five people dead and several properties destroyed in Anambra State.

The confrontation erupted between residents of Aguleri and Umuoba-Anam communities. According to traditional rulers of both communities, the violence began when people from Aguleri attempted to erect a signpost and install security cameras in the Otuocha market area, a contested location.

Three people were killed in Aguleri and two in Umuoba-Anam. Several others sustained injuries and were hospitalised. During the unrest, attackers set fire to numerous houses, shops, a rice processing factory stocked with bags of rice, and other public property.

In response, Anambra State Governor Chukwuma Soludo ordered the immediate closure of Otuocha market. Deputy Governor Onyekachukwu Ibezim, who also chairs the state boundary committee, announced the directive during an on-site assessment visit on Friday. He stated that all economic activities in the market would remain suspended pending the outcome of investigations and appropriate action against those responsible.

Ibezim emphasised that no community leader or local government chairman has the authority to determine boundaries without the involvement of the state government. He noted that the State Boundary Committee is solely responsible for demarcating and marking boundaries within the state.

Traditional rulers Igwe Michael Idigo of Aguleri and Igwe George Ekwealor of Umuoba-Anam praised the state government’s swift intervention, saying it helped prevent further loss of life and destruction. Police spokesperson Tochukwu Ikenga confirmed that security agencies visited the affected areas and flashpoints to identify measures aimed at restoring peace and preventing escalation. He urged residents to cooperate with security operatives by providing timely and credible information.

Traders were seen fleeing the market with whatever goods they could salvage as the closure took effect.