The peace accord between Aguleri and Umlueri communities in Anambra East local government area of Anambra State may be facing a crack following an alleged breach of the agreement by Aguleri community.

Recall that the two communities had earlier this year engaged in a clash that led to some people being injured and houses destroyed.

Also, in the 1999 communal clash between the two neighbouring committees, properties worth millions of naira was lost while many lost their lives.

But earlier this year, it took the prompt intervention of the state police command to quell the crisis, as the two communities were prevailed upon to sign the agreement to ensure that peace reigned in the area.

In a petition by the duo of President General of Umueri General Assembly, Chief Pius Okonkwo and the Secretary-General, Mr. Samuel Mbukwesili, dated July 4, 2018, addressed to the Anambra State Commissioner of Police, they alleged that Aguleri people had forcefully entered the disputed land with armed thugs.

They observed that the action is threatening the current peace in the area.

The petition read in part: “Pursuant to our earlier letter, you directed that Umueri and Aguleri people should desist from entering into the area of land in Aguakor Umueri land (from Otuocha-Oye Agu Road to the fish market up to the Otuocha Township Stadium) and that nobody should construct any building or carry out any activity therein.

“And to bring peace, you constituted an unbiased peace committee, in which both communities have equal representatives to look into the dispute, make findings and proffer possible settlement procedures.

“To our chagring, however, and in defiance to your directives and in total disregard of the peace committee, Aguleri people and their armed thugs have continued to enter into the disputed area of land in Aguakor Umueri land and are carrying on construction works daily on the land.

“They are usually well armed with guns to scare Umueri people away and threaten to kill any Umueri indigene who would try to question them.

While noting that Umueri people are peace loving and law abiding, added, "Our obedience to your directives and respect to the peace committee, are practical proof. But, if the persons involved are not called to order, their conduct is likely to trigger off another inter-communal crisis between the two neighbouring towns of Umueri and Aguleri.

“We, therefore, urge you to use your good office to call the persons involved to order and prevent the looming danger their conduct is likely to cause.”

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