In response to the violent communal conflict over the ownership of fish ponds across the Omambala River, stakeholders in Anambra East and West LGAs have taken decisive steps to restore peace by setting up a reconciliation committee The conflict involves Umuoji in Umuoba Anam and Egbeagu in Eziagulu-Otu, two communities in Anambra East Local Government Area.
The stakeholders’ meeting was convened on February 4, 2025, at the Anambra East Local Government Secretariat, Otuocha. It was presided over by Dr. Chinedu Emeka, former Deputy Governor of Anambra State, with Chief TonyCollins Nwabunwanne, Commissioner for Local Government, Chieftaincy, and Community Affairs, representing Governor Charles Chukwuma Soludo, CFR.
The gathering was attended by top government officials, traditional rulers, youth leaders, and security personnel, including Hon. Julius Chukwuemeka, Commissioner for Power and Water Resources; Chief Chinedu Obidigwe, a former House of Representatives member; Hon. Barr. Obi Nweke, representative of Anambra East at the State Assembly; Sir Ifeanyi Ifeanyichukwu Chinweze, Mayor of Anambra East Local Government Area and Hon. FidelisNnazor, Mayor of Anambra West LGA.
During the meeting, stakeholders strongly condemned the violence and killings that had erupted over the land dispute. They emphasized the need for peace and agreed to treat the land dispute separately from criminal actions, such as the killings that reportedly occurred during the fracas.
To ensure lasting peace, the stakeholders set up a Peace and Reconciliation Committee comprising five representatives each from Umuoji and Egbeagu communities, along with five neutral members from other parts of the communities. The Divisional Police Officers of Anambra East and West LGAs, as well as the Presidents General and youth leaders of the warring communities, were also included in the committee.
The stakeholders resolved that all perpetrators of violence must be identified, arrested, and prosecuted. Additionally, community leaders were mandated to retrieve illegal arms and ensure they were no longer in the hands of criminal elements. Traditional rulers were tasked with maintaining peace in their respective domains, while authorities were directed to ascertain the exact number of lives lost in the conflict.
The meeting concluded with a commitment from all parties to cooperate fully with the reconciliation process and support efforts to restore peace and stability in the affected areas. Dr. Chinedu Emeka expressed optimism about the committee’s ability to broker a lasting solution, noting that the cooperation of all stakeholders would be essential in resolving the conflict.
The initiative demonstrates a collective determination by stakeholders to foster harmony and development in Anambra East, marking a crucial step toward conflict resolution in the state.
