(PICTURES) NEMA, SEMA Assess Crisis-Hit Umuoba Anam, Aguleri Communities For Humanitarian Intervention

By Our Reporter

The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) and the Anambra State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA) have commenced an assessment of the humanitarian impact of the October communal crisis in Umuoba Anam and Aguleri, Anambra East Local Government Area, to determine the extent of destruction and identify residents requiring urgent assistance.

The assessment exercise took place on Friday, November 13, 2026, with the Executive Chairman of Anambra East Local Government Area, Hon. Sir Ifeanyi Chinweze, leading officials of the two emergency management agencies on an inspection tour of the affected communities.

The visit provided an opportunity for the agencies to obtain first-hand information on casualties, displaced persons, damaged properties and the humanitarian challenges confronting residents following the crisis.

Speaking during the exercise, Chinweze described the incident as a painful setback to peaceful coexistence and community development. He expressed sympathy with families who suffered losses and reaffirmed the commitment of the Anambra State Government, under Governor Chukwuma Charles Soludo, to addressing the situation.

The Council Chairman also highlighted the establishment of a Judicial Panel of Inquiry by the state government to investigate the circumstances surrounding the crisis, establish the facts and make recommendations towards resolving the lingering Otuocha boundary disagreement and preventing future occurrences.

Speaking on behalf of NEMA, the Head of Operations, Enugu Operations Office, Madam Priscilla Madukwe, said the agency was acting on a Federal Government directive to conduct an on-the-ground assessment of the affected communities.

According to her, the exercise would establish the number of persons affected, casualties recorded, displaced residents and the scale of humanitarian challenges requiring urgent attention.

She explained that NEMA would submit its findings to the relevant authorities to facilitate appropriate government interventions, including the provision of relief assistance to affected households.

Other members of the assessment delegation included Mr Ojukwu Olisaemeka, Relief and Rehabilitation Officer, and Amaka Aghanwa (HRM). The team also engaged community representatives and stakeholders from Umuoba Anam and Aguleri.

During the inspection, the delegation visited damaged residential buildings, commercial properties and public facilities to document the extent of destruction. The old and new palaces of the revered Idigo Dynasty in Aguleri were also among the locations inspected.

The assessment is expected to provide the necessary information to guide government decisions on humanitarian assistance, relief distribution and recovery support for affected residents.

Beyond the immediate humanitarian response, attention remains on restoring normalcy, rebuilding confidence and pursuing a peaceful and lasting resolution to the issues between the two neighbouring communities.

The welfare of affected families and the restoration of lasting peace in Umuoba Anam and Aguleri remain central to the ongoing response.

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