……Prevents Escalation…….
By Tony Ezike
Hon. Ifeanyi Chinweze, the Transition Committee Chairman of Anambra East Local Government Area, has revealed that the long-standing 25-year land dispute between the Aguleri and Umuleri communities is a calculated scam orchestrated by a few landowners.
According to Chinweze, these individuals have manipulated the conflict, selling disputed lands behind the scenes and pocketing the proceeds, while the wider communities bear the costs, including lives lost during past conflicts.
Chinweze, whose timely intervention prevented what could have been a violent confrontation, stated that recent tensions between Mgboko and Adani villages, situated at the boundary of the two communities, threatened to reignite hostilities.
Youths from both sides had mobilized for war, and women and children were being evacuated to nearby towns. The Council Chairman, accompanied by security forces, swiftly intervened, holding discussions with the leadership of both communities to de-escalate the situation.
After extensive talks, it was agreed that returning to violence was not the solution. Both communities decided to disarm their youths, with weapons being handed over to local vigilante services under the supervision of the town leaders. A further resolution was reached to hold a meeting with key stakeholders from both sides after the local government elections, aimed at finding a permanent resolution to the land issue.
Speaking during his campaign rally ahead of the September 28th local government election, Chinweze shared how his background as a native of Umuleri raised concerns about his safety while campaigning in Aguleri. “When I told my people I was going to Aguleri, they asked if I had enough security. I replied, ‘Why do I need security to visit my own people?'”
Chinweze expressed frustration over how a few individuals have manipulated the land dispute for their own gain. “This so-called war is a scam. The people who have died didn’t get any share of the land, and those who funded the fight have received nothing from the land sales,” he lamented.
He further criticized the landowners for exploiting their communities, stating that while they secretly sell off the disputed land, they involve others only when violence erupts. “They don’t share the proceeds with the community, but when it’s time for war, they call on everyone to fight.”
Echoing Chinweze’s sentiments, Engr. Julius Chukwuemeka, the Commissioner for Water and Power from Aguleri, urged the two communities to embrace unity, emphasizing that land disputes should not divide brothers and sisters. “Anyone claiming that Umuleri and Aguleri are at war is lying. We are one people, and those perpetuating these conflicts are the ones benefiting from the chaos,” he said.
Chief Chinedu Obidigwe, a former member of the Anambra East and West Federal Constituency, stressed the importance of unity for development, rather than engaging in senseless wars. He commended Governor Charles Soludo for his commitment to completing the 32 km road project left unfinished by the previous administration, noting that continued support for the government will ensure progress for the region.
