By Ovat Abeng
Two persons, Prince Chidozie Anyansi and Chukwura Nweze, were on Wednesday last week, reportedly shot dead in a fresh Nneyi Umueri/Enugwu Nsugbe communal conflict in Anambra East Local Government Area of Anambra State.
The communities who share boundaries have fallen apart over perennial land dispute that has been on for more than a decade.
The recent clash led to the death of two youths from Enugwu Nsugbe Community while some others sustained injuries; and many houses and properties were also destroyed and set ablaze.
Residents of the affected village have fled their homes due to the crisis.
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President of Nsugbe Youth Assembly (NYA), Engr. Chidi Obiudu, who disclosed this to journalists shortly after a peaceful protest at the State Government House along Enugu-Onitsha highway Awka, on Tuesday, called on the government to urgently intervene to avoid further bloodshed in the area.
He said “our coming to the government house here in protest is to seek justice for the two slain young men.”
He alleged that since the incident happened, no arrest and investigation has been instituted to that effect by the state government or the security agencies.
“As I speak, the lifeless bodies are still lying unattended at the mortuary. We want the government to take urgent action on this matter.”
Another youth leader, Comrade Johnpaul Mozie, who also spoke, alleged that the two youths were murdered in a broad daylight by the people of Umueri Community.
“We want those behind the invasion and killing of late Prince Chidozie Anyansi and Chukwura Nweze to be arrested and brought to Justice. We want the state government to intervene. Nsugbe people are peace lovely people.
“The government should come to our aide. They should come and adjust the boundary so that it will be clear for our people and the Umueri Community and by this I believe, the bloodshed will stop.”
Responding on behalf of the government, the Chief Security Officer (CSO) to governor Chukwuma Soludo, SP Kingsley Nkuma, while commending the people for a peaceful protest, appealed to both parties to maintain peace and explore legal avenues to resolve their grievances without resorting to violence.
He further assured the people that he would reach out to the governor as soon as possible to find a lasting solution to the lingering problem. The CSO advised them to also address their grievances in petition to the state government and the security agencies for proper action.
The protesters were seen with placards of various inscription such as; “Let the law prevail”, “Nsugbe is land of peace and not war”, “Justice for Chidozie Anyansi and Chukwura Nweze”, “Save our land and our lives”, among others.
