By Our correspondent
A long-standing dispute over fish farming boundaries between Egbeagu Eziagulu Otu Community and Umuoji Eziagulu Anam Community in Anambra East and West local government areas has escalated into a communal clash, leaving scores feared dead.
The clash, which has been ongoing for years, had previously claimed four lives.
While the exact number of casualties in the latest incident is unclear, it is believed that scores of persons may have lost their lives.
According to eyewitnesses, the conflict began when a group of individuals from one of the communities allegedly encroached on the fish farming boundaries of the other community.
The situation quickly degenerated into violence, with both sides engaging in fierce clashes.
Former lawmaker Hon Chinedu Obidigwe, who represented Anambra East and West Federal Constituency, has intervened in the crisis, brokering peace among the two warring towns.
Obidigwe has met with traditional rulers and presidents general of the two communities, calling for peaceful coexistence.
In a statement, Obidigwe described the incident as “unfortunate, unacceptable, unbearable, barbaric, and entirely condemnable.”
He urged stakeholders, including government officials and traditional leaders, to intensify efforts towards promoting peace and resolving the crisis.
Obidigwe commended Governor Chukwuma Soludo for his prompt response in restoring peace and tranquility in the area.
He encouraged the people to take advantage of the governor’s developmental initiatives and shun acts that could undermine peaceful coexistence.
The former lawmaker, who has experience in resolving communal conflicts, having served as the Transition Committee Chairman of Anambra East over a decade ago, emphasized the need for dialogue and peaceful resolution.
He charged every stakeholder within the zone to live up to expectation towards ensuring peace, saying “injury to one is injury to all.”
