High powered leaders from Anambra East and West Local Government Areas of Anambra State have called for unconditional cease fire over the lingering Fish Pond ownership crisis between Umuoji Umuoba Anam and Egbeagu Eziagulu-Otu Aguleri.
The call was made on Tuesday after a stakeholders’ meeting held at the Anambra East Council headquarters, Otuocha.
The high powered meeting presided over by Prince Dr. Chinedu Emeka, a former Deputy Governor of Anambra State was attended by key government officials, traditional rulers, and community leaders, including Chief TonyCollins Nwabunwanne, Commissioner for Local Government, Chieftaincy, and Community Affairs; Hon. Julius Chukwuemeka, Commissioner for Electricity and Water Resources.
Others in attendance included Hon. Chinedu Obidigwe, former House of Representatives member for Anambra East and West Federal Constituency; Hon. (Barr.) Obi Nweke, member representing Anambra East in the State Assembly; Sir Ifeanyi Ifeanyichukwu Chinweze, the Mayor of Anambra East LGA; Hon. Fidelis Nnazor, Mayor of Anambra West LGA and former chairman, Anambra East LGA, Hon. Fidel Okafor.
Traditional rulers that participated in the meeting included HRM Igwe George Obalum Ekwealor, Obagu II of Umuoba Anam; HRH Law Nwofia, Igwe of Eziagulu-Otu; His Highness Igwe Joseph Ajodu of Ukwalla; and His Highness Igwe Pius Omachonu of Olumbanasa.
The President General, PG of Umuoba Anam and Egbeagu Eziagulu-Otu Aguleri also participated in the deliberations.
The meeting condemned the violence, killings, and unrest associated with the controversial fishing at Omagu Umuoji Burough pit pond. It called for an end to all forms of hostilities by the two communities and work towards amicable resolution of the conflict.
To restore peace and prevent future conflicts, a Peace and Reconciliation Committee was established.
The committee comprised of five representatives each from the warring communities of Umuoji and Egbeagu, five neutral members from other parts of Aguleri and Anam, the Divisional Police Officers (DPOs) of Anambra East and West LGAs, and the Presidents General of the affected communities.
Stakeholders emphasized the importance of identifying, arresting, and prosecuting all perpetrators of violence.
The meeting also resolved that disputes over land and fish ponds must be treated separately from criminal acts such as killings.
Community leaders were mandated to recover all arms and ammunition from criminal elements, while efforts to ascertain the exact number of lives lost during the conflict were initiated. Traditional rulers were tasked with ensuring peace in their respective communities. The meeting urged the separation of personal misunderstandings from public or communal disputes to prevent future clashes.
The stakeholders reaffirmed their commitment to work with the government and the peace committee to restore peace, security, and stability in the affected areas. The resolutions mark a significant step toward fostering lasting harmony among the communities.
By Olisemeka Obeche Anambra Daily