Two communities in Anambra State; Nibo in Awka South and Abba in Njikoka Local Government Areas on Thursday mobilized Indigenes in separate protest marches to take over the gate of the Anambra State government house.

The communities’ indigenes who wielded placards called on the state governor, Willie Obiano to save them from impending bloodshed arising from communal clashes.

Ikwenna Ekwenugo, an elder in Nibo community, representing Ifite Umuamam village in the cabinet of the traditional ruler who led his Indigenes to the protest said they were at the government house to bring to the notice of the governor the intimidation of their community by their neighbors, Awka people.

“Awka people have taken our land, and their youths have invaded our community, threatening to deal with anyone who challenges them.

“They are being sponsored by a Deputy Inspector General of Police (name withheld), who hails from their community. He arms them and has supported their activities against us.

”They have taken our land and also this morning, they moved into our farmland. We have reported to the police, but the way they have dismissed us gives us the impression that they are working with the DIG, and we have been abandoned.

“We decided to come to the governor to complain because we do not want violence to erupt because we are a peaceful community.”

Mr. Obinna Chukwuma, a community leader who led Abba community on its own protest said that Ukpo community has taken its land, destroyed its market, school and residential buildings, most of which have been in existence for 35 years.

They even said that there is nothing like Abba community any longer. A community that has existed for hundreds of years, they now want to take over it. They are being supported by a billionaire oil mogul, and all our cries to the government for help have
come to nothing.

“We are aware that there are communal crisis everywhere in Anambra, and we do not want to add to the number, that is why we are here to know if Willie Obiano is no longer our governor, or that he has forsaken us.”

The Secretary to the State Government, Prof Solo Chukwulobelu who received the communities separately thanked them for not engaging in violence, but opting to complain to the governor.

I shall intimate the governor of your visit, and I am sure he will look into the crisis and ensure lasting settlement for your communities. The deputy governor is also in charge of boundaries, and I urge you to petition his office, so that he can invite you people to an amicable resolution,” he said.

In the past one month, several communities in the state have been at war with their neighbours over land dispute. These include; Omor/Umubo, Achalla/Urum among others.

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Protesters hits Anambra govt house over crisis in state