Anambra closes Otuocha market after communal violence kills five

The Anambra State Government has ordered the immediate closure of Otuocha Company Market after renewed violence between Aguleri and Umuoba-Anam communities in Anambra East Local Government Area left five people dead and several others injured. The violence followed a land dispute between the communities. Unknown persons set fire to the palace of Aguleri’s traditional ruler late on Friday after an exchange of gunfire, while houses, shops and a rice-processing factory were also reported burned.

Deputy Governor Onyekachukwu Ibezim announced the closure during an assessment visit with Commissioner of Police Nnanna Oji. Ibezim, who chairs the state Boundary Committee, said the market would remain shut until officials assessed the damage and completed investigations. He said no community leader or local government chairman had the authority to determine boundaries without the state government.

According to him, the Boundary Committee was responsible for marking boundaries within the state, and no activity would resume at the market until appropriate action was taken. Traditional rulers Michael Idigo of Aguleri and George Ekwealor of Umuoba-Anam said the dispute escalated after an attempt by Aguleri residents to erect a signpost and install closed-circuit television cameras near the boundary. They said three Aguleri residents and two Umuoba-Anam residents died, while several others were hospitalised.

The Anambra State Police Command condemned the violence and alleged arson. Its spokesman, Tochukwu Ikenga, said the incident breached an earlier peace agreement and urged all parties to rely on ongoing engagements and lawful processes. He said anyone found culpable after investigation would be prosecuted.