By Omire Ogbu

The Anambra State Government has ordered the immediate closure of Otuocha Market following a violent dispute between Aguleri and Umuoba-Anam communities that left five people dead.

The directive was issued by the Deputy Governor, Dr Onyekachukwu Ibezim, during an inspection visit to the communities affected by the crisis.

Ibezim, who also chairs the Anambra State Boundary Committee, said the decision was taken on the instruction of Governor Chukwuma Soludo.

He directed that all commercial and other activities at the market remain halted until investigations into the incident are concluded and appropriate measures are taken against those found responsible.

“No community leader or local government chairman has the authority to determine boundaries between communities without the knowledge of the State Government.

“The State Boundary Committee is responsible for the demarcation and monumentation of boundaries within the state,” he said.

The crisis resulted in significant destruction of property, with several houses and shops, as well as a rice processing factory containing bags of rice, reportedly set ablaze.

Traders were also seen leaving the area with whatever goods they could salvage from the affected market.

Speaking separately to journalists, the traditional rulers of Aguleri and Umuoba-Anam, Igwe Michael Idigo and Igwe George Ekwealor, attributed the outbreak of violence to an attempt by people from Aguleri to erect a signpost and install security cameras within the market area.

According to the monarchs, three people were killed in Aguleri while two others died in Umuoba-Anam. They added that several people sustained injuries and were receiving treatment in hospitals, while property and other valuables were destroyed.

The traditional rulers praised the state government for its prompt response, saying the intervention helped to contain the situation and avert further loss of lives and property.

The deputy governor was accompanied during the assessment visit by the Commissioner of Police, Mr Nnanna Oji; Deputy Chief of Staff to the Governor, Dr Vepor Egbuna; and Special Assistant to the Governor on Boundary Matters, Mr Ekenechukwu Okoye, among other officials.

At least 20 people were killed on Friday after a vehicle crashed at Hawan Kibo in Riyom Local Government Area of Plateau State.

The accident occurred at about 5:00 pm around the Hawan Kibo bend, causing panic among residents and other road users in the area.

The Sector Commander of the Federal Road Safety Corps in Plateau State, Corps Commander Adelaja Ogungbemi, confirmed the death toll during a telephone interview in Jos.

“Yes, it is true; there was an accident this evening at the Hawan Kibo area in the Riyom LGA of Plateau State.

“It was a terrible accident, and our officers are right there at the scene on a rescue operation. They have evacuated many injured persons to the hospital, and others are still being taken to the hospital right now.

“At the moment, I can confirm to you that 20 people have been confirmed dead from the accident,” Ogungbemi said.

Ogungbemi said preliminary findings indicated that the vehicle developed a brake problem while descending the hill, leading to the crash.

“It was a brake failure, and we will continue to advise motorists to always check their vehicles before driving and drive carefully, especially when negotiating a bend,” he urged.

An eyewitness, Moses Gyang, who got to the scene shortly after the incident, described the crash as devastating.

“I was close by when it happened around 5:00 pm. The vehicle lost control while descending the hill, and it was a terrible sight as people were shouting for help,” he said.

Another eyewitness, Max Nenyang, said the large crowd that gathered at the scene initially made rescue operations difficult.

“We have not seen such an accident here in recent times. Many people were lying on the ground, and while FRSC officers arrived quickly to transport the injured to the hospital, many had already died.”

(PUNCH)

Chidera Orji

As the country continue to face security challenges in all fronts and as Nigeria marks her 66 independence anniversary, the Delta State Commandant of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Commandant Chinedu F. Igbo, has called for stronger collaboration and increased joint security operations among security agencies in the state to sustain the gains of democracy and promote nation building.

A press release from DSC Anthony Uchenna, CDPRO, NSCDC Delta State Command, noted that Commandant Igbo made the call while joining other Service Commanders and top government officials at the 66th Independence Day celebration held at the Cenotaph in Asaba, Delta State.

Igbo stressed the need for enhanced synergy among security agencies and other relevant state actors, noting that coordinated operations would help strengthen public safety, protect democratic institutions and create a more secure environment for citizens and businesses.

According to him, sustained collaboration among security agencies is essential to effectively address security challenges while protecting lives, property and critical national assets.

Commandant Igbo further noted that the growth and development of any society are closely linked to how investors perceive the security and safety of their investments and the environment in which businesses operate.

He therefore advocated the creation of a secure and enabling environment where businesses, investments and other productive activities can thrive, stressing that security agencies have an important role to play in supporting Nigeria’s economic growth and development.

The Commandant also encouraged citizens to remain committed to nation building and to support security agencies by providing relevant information and cooperating with lawful security operations.

The Independence Day celebration was attended by the Executive Governor of Delta State, Rt. Hon. Elder Sheriff Oborevwori, members of the State Executive Council, members of the Judiciary, members of the Delta State House of Assembly led by the Speaker, Rt. Hon. Emomotimi Guwor, as well as heads of military, paramilitary and other security agencies.

The event marked Nigeria’s 66th Independence Anniversary and provided an opportunity for government officials, security commanders and citizens to reaffirm their commitment to peace, security, unity and national development.