Reports indicate that at least 10 individuals are feared dead, and a police officer from Nzam Police station is reportedly missing in the ongoing hostility between the communities of Allah/Onugwu and Odekpe in Anambra West Local Government Area of Anambra State.
Allegedly, the conflict stemmed from a land dispute which transpired from April to June 2020.
Members of the Allah/Onugwu community claim to have lost seven individuals during the hostilities, in addition to five others who were allegedly abducted. Odekpe community also asserts that it has suffered casualties during the clash.
In connection with the missing police officer, authorities have apprehended several members of Odekpe community, including the Igwe-elect, Peter Ikechi.
In response to the escalating situation, the state government has established an eight-member peace committee to address the crisis and seek a peaceful resolution. The committee, led by Igwe Nkeli Nzekwe Kelly, the traditional ruler of Igbariam community, has begun its efforts to restore harmony.
Over the weekend, the committee convened representatives from both warring communities at the Palace of Igwe Kelly to announce that individuals from Odekpe community, who were arrested in connection with the missing police officer, have been released. The committee handed over these individuals to their Odekpe kinsmen with the condition that hostilities cease until peace is restored.
Igwe Kelly further disclosed that the police authorities have pledged to drop the case entirely if violence ceases in the area. Additionally, those still in police custody would be released unconditionally once peace returns to the areas.