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.

By our reporter

The Federal Government has arraigned the Director-General of an alleged fake agency, the Presidential Foreign Investment Promotion Council, Adeniyi Adeyemi, over alleged forgery.

Adeyemi was arraigned before Justice Muhammed Umar of the Federal High Court sitting in Abuja.

He is facing an eight-count charge bordering on alleged forgery.

The Federal Government alleged that Adeyemi forged an appointment letter purportedly issued by President Bola Tinubu and signed by the Chief of Staff to the President, Femi Gbajabiamila.

It was earlier reported that the police moved Adeyemi to court on Wednesday for his arraignment.

Adeyemi has been in police custody since his arrest.

By Our Reporter

The Joint Task Force South-East, Operation Udoka, has declared Ifeanyi Eze Okorienta, popularly known as “Gentle The Yahoo,” wanted over alleged threats to peace and security in the South-East.

The task force announced a N30 million reward for credible information that could lead to Okorienta’s arrest.

In a wanted notice issued by the military formation, Okorienta was identified as a person considered a threat to peace in the region, while residents were urged to assist security agencies with information on his whereabouts.

According to the notice, a “reward of N30,000,000” awaits anyone whose credible information leads to his capture.

The military also appealed to residents to support ongoing efforts to tackle violence and criminality across the South-East, with the message: “Give Peace a Chance.”

Members of the public who have useful information about the wanted individual were advised to contact security authorities through 193 or 0806 795 9570. The task force assured informants that they could provide information anonymously.

A photograph of Okorienta was included in the wanted notice alongside the inscription: “No Violence, No Criminality in the South East.”

The development comes against the backdrop of intensified military and security operations across the South-East aimed at tracking individuals suspected of involvement in violent and other criminal activities.

The task force further cautioned members of the public against attempting to apprehend Okorienta themselves if they encounter him.

Instead, residents were urged to promptly alert the security authorities through the designated telephone lines to enable security personnel to take appropriate action.