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No fewer than four persons were killed and many houses burnt in intra-
communal crisis between Ogwuikpele community in Ogbaru and Azia
community in Ihiala Local Government Areas of Anambra state.
The duo were quarreling over a levy from an oil exploring company in the
area
which have caused many residents to flee Ogwuikpele, an oil-rich
community as a result of the disturbances.
Sequel to a matter presented under Matters of Urgent Public Importance
by Mr Somtochukwu Udeze representing Ogbaru 2 Constituency, lawmakers
have requested the state government to send security agencies to resolve
the disturbances.
Udeze said the level of wanton destruction of lives on Feb. 12, 2021,
where four persons were murdered in Ogwuikpele community required
immediate resolution.
“We are still in shock and asking questions on what happened on Feb.
12, when the houses and belongings of these murdered people were set on
fire along with other houses.
“This cruel and unwarranted loss of lives, have become unbearable in my
constituency,” he said.
Udeze also drew the attention of the House to a similar incident in the
same community that happened in November 2020, where two lives were
lost.
“People have deserted the community as a result of the disturbances.
The neighbouring towns within my constituency are currently harbouring a
lot of people, especially from Ogwuikpele, Obeagbor and Obianocha
communities.
“Some have been moved to Onitsha as a result of the killings in
Ogwuikpele.
“It is true oil is discovered in my constituency, but the trend and
attitude of some agencies regarding this issue is not anything to write
home about.
“I urge that this House to call on Gov. Willie Obiano to as a matter of
urgency to direct all relevant security agencies to intervene in the
happenings at Ogwuikpele to restore law and order.”
Mr Lawrence Ezeudu representing Dunukofia state constituency noted that
the area would soon become an oil producing area of Anambra.
According to him, we know very well that there are some activities going
on there. Already there are companies that we know that are drilling oil
in that part of the state.
“That place has become the real oil spinner for Anambra State, this is
what is expected, we have to as a Matter of Urgency, nip this issue in
the board, now that this incident is below the knee,” Ezeudu advised.
He, however, urged that various security agencies including the
Vigilance group in that area rise to secure Ogwuikpele community,
stressing that if nothing is done, the incident might deteriorate and
subsume a larger population.
“Ogbaru LGA is largely known for agriculture and we cannot because of
oil, allow that area to disintegrate and be
Consequently, Anambra State House of Assembly has called on Gov. Willie
Obiano urgently direct the relevant security agencies to intervene in
the two warring communities.
The House resolved that this would help to restore order in the two LGAs
in the state.
For sustainable peace in the state, the lawmakers also urged that a
committee of enquiry be set up over the disturbances.
The Speaker of the House, Mr Uche Okafor, has described the incidences
as pathetic and worrisome, given the manner in which Udeze stood to
narrate the experiences of his constituents in the Ogwuikpele community
crisis.
“I can feel the pulse of the members when the deputy Speaker relayed
what also happened at Azia; it becomes worrisome.
“What seems to be a blessing to us which is oil should not turn around
to be a curse on us. We pray to have oil as part of our resources
because it is going to help to improve the economic drive of the state.
“Now that Anambra is working toward that, we will not think that it
will be a curse that will make us kill ourselves,” the Speaker said.
Mr Paschal Agbodike representing Ihiala 2 state constituency expressed
dismay over the cult related killings in his area, saying that two
persons were killed in Azia community.
Agbodike, a deputy Speaker enjoined all to cooperate to put an end to
these gruesome murders.
Mr Pete Ibida representing Njikoka 2 constituency described the
situation as pathetic, saying that people were heartless and if allowed
could lead to the decimation of the community.
Meanwhile, the State Police Command Public Relations Officer, CSP Haruna
Mohammed had said it had restored normalcy and intensify joint patrols
to forestall reoccurrence in the area.
He said, on Feb. 12, 2021 at about 11:19pm, there was a report of
intra-communal crisis in Ogwuikpele community by the Council Chairman òf
Ogbaru LGA of Anambra State Hon.Arinzechukwu Awogu over a levy from an
oil exploring company in the Community.
He said the Command quickly dispatched joint Police teams comprising
PMF/RRS and other Conventional Units in collaboration with the local
Community Vigilante group led by the Area Commander Oraifite, ACP
Wilfred Afolabi to the scene and met virtually half of the Community
deserted.
“Situation was brought under control and normalcy restored in the area.
Joint patrols are ongoing to reassure fleeing residents to return to the
Community and ensure lasting peace in the area,” he said.
Mohammed said that investigation had commenced in earnest to ascertain
number of lives lost, injuries sustained, damage to property,
circumstances surrounding the incident, identify and bring perpetrators
to book.
He appealed to the fleeing residents to return to the community since
normalcy has been restored and warns restive factions to maintain peace
and assist in the investigation rather than resort to violence.