The Anam People’s Assembly (Worldwide) has appealed to Anambra State Governor, Professor Chukwuma Charles Soludo, to urgently intervene in alleged reprisal attacks, killings and abductions targeting indigenes of Anam following the recent boundary dispute between Umuoba Anam and Aguleri in Otuocha.
The apex socio-cultural organisation of the Anam clan expressed concern that, despite the governor’s prompt intervention and appeal for peace, indigenes of Anam were allegedly still being subjected to attacks connected to the dispute.
In a formal appeal addressed to Governor Soludo at the Government House in Awka, the President-General of the assembly, Chief Alex Okonkwo, warned that the security situation posed a serious threat to the lives and property of indigenes of Anam.
“Arising from the recent boundary dispute between Umuoba Anam and Aguleri in Otuocha on 1st October, 2026, which claimed two lives, including a minor from Umueze Anam, the lives and properties of Ndi Anam are in grave danger,” the assembly stated in the appeal.
The organisation, however, acknowledged the governor’s intervention and commended his efforts towards restoring peace in the affected communities.
“We sincerely appreciate your prompt intervention and your meeting with stakeholders of the affected communities and their neighbours, which helped to restore calm,” the statement read.
The assembly also commended the Deputy Governor and other senior government officials for their peace visit to the area, as well as the deployment of military personnel to maintain security.
It further acknowledged the contributions of Igwe Idigo, Igwe Obagu II and other stakeholders from the affected communities towards restoring peace in Otuocha.
However, the organisation expressed concern that the situation remained precarious, alleging that indigenes of Anam had continued to suffer reprisal attacks allegedly carried out by Aguleri youths.
“However, despite these efforts, Ndi Anam have become victims of reprisal attacks (Ori Ava) by Aguleri youths,” the assembly stated.
It noted that Anam comprises eight communities in Anambra West Local Government Area, while Umuoba Anam is the only Anam community in Anambra East Local Government Area, where Otuocha is located.
The assembly expressed concern that disputes between Umuoba Anam and Aguleri allegedly resulted in attacks affecting indigenes across the wider Anam clan, including those with no direct involvement in the conflict.
The group cited several incidents it said illustrated the security challenges confronting indigenes of Anam. These included the burning of a timber shop belonging to an indigene of Umudora Anam at Aguleri Junction Market on October 3, 2026; the killing of an indigene of Mmiata Anam at the same market on October 8; the death of a minor from Mmiata Anam following an alleged stoning incident on October 11; and the killing of an indigene of Umudora Anam on October 12.
According to the assembly, the reported incidents have heightened fear among indigenes of Anam, making it increasingly difficult for them to visit Otuocha Market for commercial activities.
The organisation warned that traders feared being attacked, abducted or killed, while their goods could be destroyed.
“Consequently, our people can no longer attend Otuocha Market for fear of being waylaid, abducted or killed, and their goods destroyed. Farm produce is left to rot,” the assembly stated.
It added that the prevailing insecurity was disrupting economic activities and threatening the livelihoods of traders and farmers who depend on the market.
The assembly also appealed to the governor to facilitate the redeployment of teachers of Anam extraction working in schools in Aguleri and other parts of the Omambala area, citing concerns about their safety amid the reported tensions.
In its appeal, the organisation urged Governor Soludo to use his office to address the recurring security concerns and prevent further attacks against indigenes of Anam.
“The Anam People’s Assembly (Worldwide) therefore humbly requests that you use your good offices to stop this recurring security breach,” the statement read.
Reaffirming its commitment to peace, the assembly declared that indigenes of Anam remained law-abiding and would not resort to taking the law into their own hands.
“Ndi Anam are peace-loving people who do not take the law into their own hands,” it stated.
The organisation concluded by expressing appreciation for the governor’s continued commitment to safeguarding lives and property across Anambra State, while urging the government to sustain its intervention to prevent further loss of lives and restore lasting peace in Otuocha and neighbouring communities.
The appeal underscores the need for continued security operations, impartial investigations into the reported incidents and sustained dialogue between the affected communities to address the dispute and protect vulnerable indigenes of Anam.
