Soludo Sets Up Panel to Probe Anambra Communal Crisis

Anambra State Governor, Chukwuma Soludo, has set up a Judicial Commission of Inquiry to investigate the long-running communal crisis between Umuoba Anam and Aguleri communities in Anambra East Local Government Area.

The commission is part of measures agreed at a stakeholders’ peace meeting convened by the governor at the Light House in Awka to address the renewed violence between the two communities.

The clashes have resulted in deaths and injuries, while several properties, including the palace of a traditional ruler, were destroyed in the violence.

Read More : Government Clears Eight Months’ Tertiary Workers’ Arrears

According to a statement issued on Thursday by Soludo’s Chief Press Secretary, Christian Aburime, the meeting brought together traditional rulers, presidents-general and other community leaders from Aguleri, Umueri and Anam.

The governor condemned the loss of lives and destruction of property, describing the violence as unacceptable and calling on the affected communities to embrace peace.

The stakeholders agreed to an immediate ceasefire and called for the prosecution of those responsible for the violence. They also backed measures to hold community leaders accountable and rebuild the destroyed Idigo Palace.

The traditional rulers, Igwe Michael Idigo and Fidel Okafor, condemned the hostilities and drew attention to the deaths of a minor and an unarmed person from Umuoba Anam, as well as the subsequent destruction of the Idigo Palace.

They called for an immediate end to the violence and urged authorities to ensure that those responsible faced justice.

Anambra State Governor, Chukwuma Soludo. Credit: Punch

Retired Justice Charles Okaa, who represented the Umueri community as an observer, also appealed for restraint. He urged the state government to enforce the 1982 Supreme Court judgment on boundary issues between Umueri and Aguleri as part of efforts to achieve a lasting resolution.

“To ensure compliance, the governor directed security agencies to maintain a robust, round-the-clock presence in the affected zones, reassuring all parties that the government remains firm, fair, and uncompromising in its pursuit of lasting peace and justice across the state.

“Community leaders, including Igwe Michael Idigo and Fidel Okafor, strongly condemned the hostilities, specifically highlighting the tragic killings of a minor and an unarmed person from Umuoba Anam, alongside the retaliatory destruction of the revered Idigo Palace.

“Both leaders were, however, united in a call for an immediate cessation of violence and the swift delivery of justice.

“Speaking as an observer on behalf of the Umueri community, Retired Justice Charles Okaa appealed for restraint and urged the state government to enforce the 1982 Supreme Court judgment concerning boundary matters between Umueri and Aguleri as a step toward permanent resolution,” the statement read.

As part of the peace measures, Soludo directed security agencies to maintain a continuous presence in the affected areas to prevent further violence and protect residents.

The governor also announced that the state government would support the reconstruction of the Idigo Palace, describing the attack on the traditional institution as an assault on the heritage of the state.

The Judicial Commission of Inquiry will examine petitions, complaints and historical grievances connected to the crisis and is expected to submit its report within four months.

The meeting ended with representatives of the participating communities committing to peace, reconciliation and peaceful coexistence.

“Condemning the attack on the traditional stool as an assault on the heritage of the state, the governor announced that the state government will actively assist in rebuilding the destroyed palace to restore traditional dignity.