NEMA, SEMA ASSESS DAMAGE IN AGULERI, UMUOBA ANAM COMMUNAL CLASH

By Chinyere Nwoye

The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) and Anambra State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA) have conducted a joint assessment of communities affected by the October 2026 communal clash between Aguleri and Umuoba Anam in Anambra East Local Government Area.

The assessment carry out on Nov 13, revealed that over 150 houses were destroyed, while more than 2,000 residents were displaced and approximately ten persons were either killed or reported missing during the conflict.

The Head of Operations, NEMA Enugu Operations Office, Mrs Priscilla Madukwe, disclosed this during the assessment tour, which aimed to establish the extent of destruction and identify victims requiring humanitarian assistance.

The communal violence reportedly resulted in the destruction of residential buildings, shops, vehicles, tricycles and other valuable properties, including businesses belonging to non-indigenes residing in the affected communities.

Mrs Madukwe, who described the level of destruction as unfortunate, said over 3,000 persons were affected, adding that the assessment findings would be forwarded to the Federal Government for possible intervention.

She appealed to community leaders and stakeholders to intensify efforts towards resolving the disagreement, stressing that lasting peace was essential for protecting lives, restoring livelihoods and promoting development.

The Mayor of Anambra East Local Government Area, Mr Ifeanyi Chinweze, described the incident as a communal disagreement, noting that ongoing efforts were being made to resolve the crisis through dialogue and reconciliation.

Mr Chinweze said the curfew imposed between 6pm and 7am had contributed significantly to restoring calm, while expressing appreciation to the Federal Government for dispatching the assessment team.

Also speaking, the Head of Administration, SEMA, Mrs Ndidi Omega, said the Soludo administration had constituted a committee of inquiry following Governor Soludo and his Deputy, Dr Onyekachukwu Ibezim’s visit, while security operatives continued guarding the deserted communities.

Chinyere Nwoye is of the Ministry of Information and Value Reformation, Anambra State