Anam Assembly Cries Out to Soludo Over Alleged Reprisal Killings, Abductions, Says Indigenes No Longer Safe in Otuocha

By Our Reporter

The Anam People’s Assembly (Worldwide) has raised the alarm over alleged reprisal attacks, killings and abductions targeting indigenes of Anam following the boundary dispute between Umuoba Anam and Aguleri in Otuocha, calling on Anambra State Governor, Professor Chukwuma Charles Soludo, to urgently intervene.

The apex socio-cultural organisation of the Anam clan said the alleged attacks had continued despite the governor’s intervention and efforts by government officials and traditional rulers to restore peace in the affected communities.

In an urgent appeal addressed to Governor Soludo at the Government House in Awka, the President-General of the assembly, Chief Alex Okonkwo, warned that the lives and property of indigenes of Anam remained at risk.

“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.

While acknowledging the governor’s intervention, the organisation expressed appreciation for his meeting with stakeholders from the affected communities and neighbouring areas, noting that the engagement helped restore calm.

“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, the deployment of military personnel to the area, and the efforts of Igwe Idigo, Igwe Obagu II and other stakeholders to restore peace.

However, it alleged that indigenes of Anam continued to face reprisals despite these interventions.

“However, despite these efforts, Ndi Anam have become victims of reprisal attacks (Ori Ava) by Aguleri youths,” the assembly alleged in its appeal.

The organisation expressed particular concern that indigenes of communities across the Anam clan were allegedly being affected by a dispute involving Umuoba Anam and Aguleri.

According to the assembly, Anam has 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 situated.

It argued that indigenes of other Anam communities should not be subjected to attacks because of a dispute in which they may have no direct involvement.

To support its appeal, the assembly listed several incidents allegedly recorded after the October 1 dispute. These included the burning of a timber shop belonging to an indigene of Umudora Anam at Aguleri Junction Market on October 3, 2026, and the reported killing of an indigene of Mmiata Anam at the market on October 8.

The organisation also reported that a minor from Mmiata Anam died on October 11 after being stoned, while another indigene of Umudora Anam was reportedly killed on October 12.

The assembly said the incidents had created an atmosphere of fear, with indigenes of Anam increasingly reluctant to travel to Otuocha Market for their commercial activities.

Describing the economic consequences of the situation, the group stated: “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 organisation warned that the alleged insecurity was affecting traders and farmers, disrupting economic activities and threatening the livelihoods of indigenes who depend on Otuocha Market.

It also appealed for the redeployment of teachers of Anam extraction working in schools in Aguleri and other parts of the Omambala area, saying the measure was necessary to address concerns about their safety.

In a direct appeal to the governor, the assembly urged the state government to take decisive steps to prevent further attacks and protect indigenes of Anam across the affected communities.

“The Anam People’s Assembly (Worldwide) therefore humbly requests that you use your good offices to stop this recurring security breach,” the statement read.

The organisation maintained that its members remained committed to peace and the rule of law, declaring: “Ndi Anam are peace-loving people who do not take the law into their own hands.”

It expressed appreciation for Governor Soludo’s continued commitment to security in Anambra State but stressed the need for sustained government action to prevent further casualties, protect property and restore confidence among indigenes of Anam.

The appeal adds to growing concerns over the reported impact of the dispute on commercial activities, agricultural production and the safety of indigenes in and around Otuocha. Thorough investigations into the reported incidents, alongside effective security measures and continued dialogue between the affected communities, would be important in establishing the facts and preventing further violence.

#