Soludo Orders Immediate Ceasefire in Aguleri-Umuoba Anam Crisis, Summons Emergency Peace Meeting

Anambra State Governor, Prof. Chukwuma Charles Soludo, has ordered the immediate cessation of hostilities between Aguleri and Umuoba Anam communities in Anambra East Local Government Area following a recent communal clash that left at least one person dead and several others injured.

The Governor has also summoned key stakeholders from the two communities to an emergency peace and security meeting scheduled for Wednesday at the Light House, Awka, as part of efforts to address the underlying issues fueling the longstanding dispute and prevent further escalation.

In a statement issued by the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Mr Christian Aburime, the intervention followed reports of renewed violence between the neighbouring communities, resulting in loss of life and injuries and raising concerns over the safety of residents and the possibility of a further breakdown of peace in the area.

The statement said Soludo, while expressing deep sadness over the casualties recorded in the clash, condemned violence, bloodletting and destruction of property, stressing that such acts had no place in an Anambra State committed to peace, security and development.

The Governor directed both communities to immediately lay down their arms, end all forms of hostilities and maintain absolute peace pending the outcome of the emergency stakeholders’ meeting.

He further directed the communities to channel all grievances, claims and representations relating to the dispute exclusively through their designated stakeholders at the Awka meeting.

According to the Governor, the meeting is intended to provide a platform for stakeholders to address the root causes of the dispute and work towards a sustainable resolution rather than resorting to violence.

Meanwhile, security agencies, including the police, have been fully deployed to the affected area to enforce law and order, protect lives and property, and prevent further breaches of the peace.

Soludo reassured residents of Anambra State that his administration remained committed to protecting lives and property and resolving communal disputes through dialogue, lawful processes and peaceful engagement.

The Governor urged residents of both communities to exercise restraint and cooperate with security agencies and community leaders to prevent further loss of lives while efforts towards a lasting resolution are underway.

The statement was signed by the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Christian Aburime, on October 3, 2026.