By PAMELA EBOH, Awka

Normalcy has returned in Ogwuikpele community in Ogbaru Local Government Area of Anambra State following police intervention to the communal crisis that erupted in the area recently.

To this end, police in the state have called on fleeing residents of the community to return back to their homes.

Residents had fled their homes to safely following alleged killings and destruction of property in the area occasioned by intra-communal crisis.

It was gathered that the crisis was allegedly triggered by a certain levy from an oil exploring company in the community.

A statement by the state Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), CSP Haruna Mohammed, said that investigation had commenced.

According to him, the police have intensified joint patrols to forestall reoccurrence, even as he gave assurance that perpetrators would be brought to book

The statement reads in part: “On 12/2/2021 at about 11:19pm there was a report of intra-communal crisis in Ogwuikpele Community by the Council Chairman òf Ogbaru LGA of Anambra State, Hon. Arinzechukwu Awogu over a levy from an oil exploring company in the Community.

“Following the report, the Command quickly dispatched joint Police teams comprising PMF/RRS and other Conventional Units in collaboration with the local Community Vigilante group led by the Area Commander Oraifite, ACP Wilfred Afolabi to the scene and met virtually half of the Community deserted.

“Situation was brought under control and normalcy restored in the area. Joint patrols are ongoing to reassure fleeing residents to return to the Community and ensure lasting peace in the area.

“Meanwhile, investigation has commenced in earnest to ascertain number of lives lost, injuries sustained, damage to property, circumstances surrounding the incident, identify and bring perpetrators to book.

“The Command appeals to the fleeing residents to return to the Community since normalcy has been restored.”

The Command further warned restive factions to maintain peace and assist in the investigation rather than resort to violence.”

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