The Anambra State Government has ordered the immediate shutdown of Otuocha Market. This follows a clash between Aguleri and Umuoba-Anam communities that left five people dead.
On Friday, the Deputy Governor of Anambra, Onyekachukwu Ibezim, announced the closure during his visit to the affected communities. He said the decision was made after Governor Charles Soludo's instructions.
Ibezim, who chairs the Anambra State Boundary Committee, stated that all activities in the market must stop until investigations are complete and those responsible are dealt with.
"No community leader or local government chairman has the authority to determine boundaries between communities without the knowledge of the state government. The State Boundary Committee is responsible for marking and maintaining boundaries within the state," he said.
The News Agency of Nigeria reports that during the clash, many homes, shops, and a rice processing factory were burned. Some traders were seen escaping the area with their remaining goods.
In interviews with reporters, the traditional rulers of Aguleri, Michael Idigo, and Umuoba-Anam, George Ekwealor, explained that the conflict started when Aguleri people tried to put up a signpost and install security cameras in the market.
They said the incident resulted in three deaths in Aguleri and two in Umuoba-Anam. Many others were hospitalized, and valuable property was damaged.
The traditional rulers thanked the Anambra State Government for acting quickly, saying it helped prevent more deaths and destruction.
The deputy governor's visit included the Commissioner of Police, Nnanna Oji; Deputy Chief of Staff to Governor Soludo, Vepor Egbuna; and Special Assistant to the Governor on Boundary Matters, Ekenechukwu Okoye, among others.
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