One killed, houses destroyed in Anambra boundary dispute
A renewed boundary dispute between the Ikenga and Isiokwe communities in the Anambra East Local Government Area of Anambra State has left one person dead and several properties destroyed.
This is just as the police said they had invited both communities to a meeting on alternative dispute resolution mechanics.
PUNCH Metro gathered from a statement by the Anambra Police Public Relations Office, Tochukwu Ikenga, that the clash occurred on Sunday.
Ikenga noted that following the dispute, the state Commissioner of Police, Ikioye Ortugu, also demanded that the suspect be identified to ensure justice was served.
Ikenga said, “Following the boundary dispute between Ikenga and Isiokwe villages in Umueri and Aguleri respectively that led to the murder of one and the destruction of properties in the area on March 16, 2025, the Commissioner of Police, Ikioye Orutugu, has interviewed parties involved in his office at Awka, today, March 18, 2025.
“The CP is seeking to explore Alternative Dispute Resolutions to the case and seeks the cooperation of the communities to identify the suspects involved and ensure justice is served.
“The CP noted that the approach has become necessary to resolve the boundary dispute between the Ikenga and Isiokwe villages and promote a culture of peace and reconciliation in the larger Umueri and Aguleri communities.”
Citing the response of the communities, the PPRO noted that both communities agreed to settle their differences.
He added that the CP extended condolences to the family of the deceased and urged them to always resort to the government for dispute resolution
“In their response, both communities agreed to work together, especially to discuss their differences on government interventions so far and partner with relevant stakeholders to work out modalities to ensure lasting peace, especially on boundaries.
“The CP while condoling with the family and friends of the deceased urged the parties to set up a committee to visit the bereaved and also assuage the victims whose properties were destroyed.
“He further directs each community to request/appeal to the government’s decision over the boundary adjustment whenever in doubt. To this effect, the CP believes that this platform shall provide the parties with the proceedings to resolve their differences amicably, without resorting to unnecessary and cumbersome litigation processes,” Ikenga concluded.
PUNCH Metro reported in September 2024 that four men were killed in the Agu-Isioye community located on the boundaries of Enugwu Ukwu and Nawfia in Njikoka Local Government Area of the state over a boundary dispute.
Our correspondent had reported that the killings occurred when some youths and indigenes of the community were invited by the assailants to a piece of land on the pretence that they were buying the said land, only to be rounded up by the armed men who opened fire on them, thereby killing four persons instantly while others escaped with injuries.
