Anambra: Soludo constitutes commission of inquiry into Aguleri, Umuoba Anam dispute

Anambra State Governor, Prof Charles Soludo, has constituted a seven-man Commission of Inquiry into the communal clash between Aguleri and Umuoba Anam communities in Anambra East Local Government Area of the state.

This comes as the dusk-to-dawn curfew imposed by the state government is yet to be lifted on the two communities.

The exercise is to enforce law and order in the troubled area.

The Secretary to the Anambra State Government (SSG), Mrs Chiamaka Nnake, said on Saturday that, “The establishment of the Commission follows the Governor’s directive that the remote and immediate causes of the conflict be thoroughly investigated and that all lawful avenues for enduring peace be explored.”

The seven-man Commission of Inquiry is headed by Hon Justice Nkemdilim Izuakor as Chairman, with two clerics of both Catholic and Anglican Churches, as well as two traditional rulers and the Special Assistant to Soludo on Boundary Matters.

The terms of reference set for the Commission include “To determine the remote and immediate causes of the dispute between the Umuoba Anam and Aguleri communities, and of the crisis which erupted between the two communities between 1st October 2026 and 4th October 2026.”

The body is also to “determine any factors related to the above dispute which are likely to cause further crisis between the two communities, or involving either of them and any of their neighbouring communities.”

They are also “To make recommendations to the State Government on the steps which, in the opinion of the Commission, are necessary to be taken by the State Government to end the dispute and bring everlasting peace between the entire Anam and Aguleri communities, or other affected communities.”

The Commission is further required to take into consideration all judgments of courts and contractual agreements relevant to the resolution of the dispute.

In addition, the Commission is expected to conclude the inquiry and present its report to the Governor not later than 28 February 2027.

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Nnake explained that the constitution of the Commission consolidates the peace process initiated by the Governor, who had earlier convened a stakeholders’ peace meeting at the Government House, Awka, bringing together traditional rulers, presidents-general and community leaders from Aguleri, Umueri and Anam, at which the parties agreed to a total cessation of hostilities, and the Governor undertook to establish a commission of inquiry to examine the historical complaints, petitions and other issues underpinning the crisis.

She stated that the Governor reiterated that his administration will spare no effort in ensuring that peace, justice and the rule of law prevail.

The Governor urged all stakeholders in both communities to cooperate fully with the Commission and to refrain from any act capable of undermining the ongoing peace efforts.