The Anambra State Government on Saturday ordered the immediate closure of Otuocha Market following a worsening communal dispute between the Aguleri and Umuoba-Anam communities in the state.
Unconfirmed reports indicate that an estimated 16 lives have been lost in the mayhem that has engulfed the communities over the past six days.
Several buildings have also been razed by irate youths from both sides in the clash.
The Deputy Governor, Dr Onyekachukwu Ibezim, gave the order to shut Otuocha Market during an assessment visit to the affected communities.
He said the closure was based on the instruction of Governor Chukwuma Soludo.
Ibezim, who is also the Chairman of the Anambra State Boundary Committee, said all economic and other activities in the market should remain suspended pending the conclusion of investigations and appropriate action against those responsible.
He said, “No community leader or local government chairman has the authority to determine boundaries between communities without the knowledge of the state government.
“The State Boundary Committee is responsible for the demarcation of boundaries within the state.”
Several houses, shops, a rice-processing factory containing bags of rice and other public property were burnt during the crisis.
Some traders were seen fleeing the area with their remaining goods.
In separate interviews with newsmen, the traditional rulers of Aguleri and Umuoba-Anam, Igwe Michael Idigo and Igwe George Ekwealor, respectively, said the crisis erupted when Aguleri people attempted to erect a signpost and install security cameras in the market area.
They stated that the incident claimed three lives in Aguleri and two in Umuoba-Anam, while several others were hospitalised and valuables destroyed.
The traditional rulers commended the state government for its swift intervention, which, they said, helped to prevent further casualties and destruction.
The deputy governor was accompanied on the visit by the Commissioner of Police, Mr Nnanna Oji; Deputy Chief of Staff to the Governor, Dr Vepor Egbuna; and Special Assistant to the Governor on Boundary Matters, Mr Ekenechukwu Okoye, among others.
As at the time of this report, it was learnt that more lives had been lost in the clash, as armed youths descended on perceived opponents while buildings were being set on fire.
