Clash between two communities in Anambra leaves several houses, farmlands burnt

A clash over a parcel of land between Umuemu Anam and Nzam communities in Anambra state has left several houses and farmlands burnt

The tit-for-tat clash which was reportedly started by Umuemu Anam youths led to the destruction of property worth millions of naira

The state’s commissioner of police has ordered for a full-scale investigation into the matter and two suspects have already been arrested.

Several houses and farmlands were burnt following a clash between Umuemu Anam and Nzam communities in Anambra West local government area, Anambra state, over ownership of a parcel of land in the area.

According to newsmen, the clash was provoked by Umuemu Anam youths who burnt huts and yam seedlings in the farm-camp of the Nzam community, after arriving there via a bush path.

Reports show that Nzam youths, in swift reaction, however, used speed boats and went to the farm camp of Umuemu community, where they proceeded to burn property worth millions of naira. An eye witness reportedly stated that firearms were used by youths on both sides to scare each other away by firing sporadic gunshots in the air but no one was injured. The incident was confirmed by the public relations officer of the Anambra State Police Command, Haruna Mohammed. He said a joint patrol team comprising of the police, the Army and other sister agencies were mobilised to the area, following a report, and were eventually able to bring the situation under control. The PRO said the state’s commissioner of police, Garba Umar, had ordered a full scale investigation into the matter, and that two suspects had already been arrested.

Meanwhile, previous report shows that Anambra communities fighting over land ownership were threatened by the state government that it would forcefully acquire such lands as a way of ending land disputes in the state. The warning was given by the state deputy governor, Dr. Nkem Okeke, after resolving a 100-year-old land dispute between Umunachi in Dunukofia local government area and Ogidi in Idemili North local government area of the state.

Credit: Legit.ng