Two suspects have been arrested by the Anambra State Police Command following a renewed fight between youths of Umuemu, Anam community in Anambra West Local Government Area of Anambra State and that of neighbouring community, Nzam in same local government area.

It was gathered that the renewed fight which was caused by a land tussle between the two communities started when youths of Anam allegedly used a bush path to storm the farm camp of Nzam community and set their thatched houses and yam seedlings ablaze.

In a swift reaction, youths of Nzam community also mobilised using speed boats and went to the farm camp of Umuemu Anam community, set ablaze houses and properties value of which are yet to be ascertained, even as they fired sporadic gunshots in the air.

A statement by the State Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), SP Haruna Mohammed, reads: “At about 3pm on the 19/01/2019 there was a report that youths of Umuemu Anam community in Anambra West LGA using a bush path went to the farm camp of neighbouring Nzam community also in the same local government and allegedly set ablaze their thatched houses and yam seedlings.

“Consequently, in a swift reaction, youths of Nzam community also mobilised using speed boats and went to the farm camp of Umuemu community, set ablaze houses and properties value of which are still unknown as well as firing sporadic gunshots in the Air.

“This may not be unconnected with a protracted land dispute between both communities.

“Following the report, Joint Patrol teams comprising of the Police, the Army and other Sister agencies were immediately deployed to the area to restore order and arrest perpetrators of the unfortunate incidents.”

He said that on arrival of the security agencies, the situation was brought under control even as two suspects were arrested.

Mohammed said intensive patrols are ongoing by combined Security Forces to restore lasting peace in the affected Communities adding that no loss of life or casualty was recorded.

The PPRO said the Commissioner of Police in the state, CP Garba Baba Umar, has ordered for a full scale investigation to determine the circumstances surrounding the incident and bring perpetrators to justice.

He added: “CP has ordered for a full scale investigation to determine the circumstances surrounding the incident and bring perpetrators to justice.”

While saying that intensive patrols by Combined Security forces is still ongoing to maintain law and order in the affected areas, the PPRO urged people to go about their lawful businesses and report any suspicious persons or movements to the nearest Police Station or call the Police emergency number 07039194332 for prompt action

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