Peter Obi calls for end to hostilities between Anambra communities

Former Anambra State Governor Peter Obi has appealed to the communities of Umuoba-Anam and Aguleri to immediately end hostilities and pursue a peaceful resolution to their differences. Obi made the appeal in a statement posted on his official X account on Sunday, saying he was concerned by reports of renewed violence between the communities in Anambra East Local Government Area. He urged community leaders to prioritise dialogue and reconciliation, restore calm and protect residents’ lives and livelihoods.

Obi said conflict would worsen the economic hardship already facing people in the area. “I appeal to both communities to immediately cease hostilities and embrace peace,” Obi said. He added that no grievance was worth the loss of lives, destruction of homes and livelihoods, or the suffering inflicted on families.

The former governor called for dialogue rather than violence and reconciliation rather than revenge. He said the destruction caused by the conflict would serve no useful purpose and urged leaders to find another way to settle their differences. The appeal comes amid reported tensions between the neighbouring communities and concerns about the effect of the hostilities on residents and their livelihoods.

Anambra State Governor Chukwuma Soludo has also directed Amaeze Aguleri and Umuoba-Anam communities to cease all forms of hostilities, maintain absolute peace and exercise restraint, according to the supplied report. Obi, who governed Anambra from 2006 to 2013 and contested the 2023 presidential election, ended his appeal by expressing hope that peace would return to both communities.