By LUCY OSUIZIGBO-OKECHUKWU

The Anambra Government has ordered the immediate closure of the Otuocha Market, following an inter-communal dispute between Aguleri and Umuoba-Anam communities that claimed five lives.

The Deputy Governor, Dr Onyekachukwu Ibezim, gave the directive during an assessment visit to the affected communities.

He said the closure was based on the instruction of Gov. Chukwuma Soludo.

Ibezim, who is also the Chairman, Anambra State Boundary Committee, said all economic and other activities in the market should remain suspended, pending the conclusion of investigations and appropriate action against those 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 News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that several houses, shops, a rice processing factory, containing bags of rice, and other public property were burnt during the crisis.

Some traders were seen fleeing the area with their remaining goods.

In separate interviews with newsmen, the traditional rulers of Aguleri and Umuoba-Anam, Igwe Michael Idigo and Igwe George Ekwealor, respectively, said the crisis erupted when Aguleri people attempted to erect a signpost and install security cameras in the market area.

They said the incident claimed three lives in Aguleri and two in Umuoba-Anam, while several others were hospitalised and valuables destroyed.

The traditional rulers commended the State Government for its swift intervention which, they said, helped to prevent further casualties and destruction.

The deputy governor was accompanied on the 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 others. (NAN)