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Soldiers have moved into the oil-bearing community of Aguleri in Anambra State, South-East Nigeria, following the people’s outcry over the invasion of their villages by neighbouring Kogi State in the country’s North-Central region.

“As I’m talking to you, soldiers are patrolling Aguleri to ensure that the people are not attacked again,” said a News Express special correspondent monitoring the situation.

News Express had this morning reported the ordeal of Aguleri people, who have enjoyed limited rest of mind since the Orient Petroleum promoted by the Anambra State Government and private investors was commissioned last August by President Goodluck Jonathan. After the commissioning, neighbouring Kogi communities started laying claim to the area hosting the petroleum company.

“They have sacked two of our villages as at yesterday. They have also burnt our schools and churches as at yesterday. WE cannot hold Easter service or celebrate Easter feast with our love ones in that part of Aguleri,” Phil Chinwuba Esq., General Secretary Aguleri Foundation of UK, lamented last night.

According to Chinwuba, “The Igwe of Aguleri, HRH Igwe C.N Idigo has asked the COP (Commissioner of Police) of Anambra State and The Army Area Commander, how long will Aguleri fold their hands and watch Kogi State invade Aguleri with suspected Boko Haram Militants. WE have received no answers.”

Warning of dire consequences if the aggressors were not restrained, the Aguleri Foundation of UK General Secretary said:

“WE wish to make it abundantly clear to the Federal Govt that unless they restrain Kogi State govt, Aguleri people would have no other alternative than to use any means necessary to defend ourselves. “Our endurance has been tested to the limit and there is limit to what we can take from these uncircumcised bandits.”

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