The Founder of AnEW Movement for Good Governance, Ifeanyi Duaka, has issued a passionate call for peace between Aguleri and Umuoba Anam, warning that the recurring crisis between the two neighbouring communities is destroying lives, weakening their future, and undermining the development opportunities available to their people. He described the continued conflict as painful and unfortunate, stressing that both communities have fertile lands, rich agricultural potential, and the capacity to attract local and foreign investors if peace and security are guaranteed.
Duaka lamented that while other communities in Anambra State, including Nnewi, Onitsha, and Awka, continue to attract investments and pursue development, Aguleri and Umuoba Anam are losing valuable opportunities to violence and destruction. He recalled that the dispute had previously attracted the attention of former President Olusegun Obasanjo to Otuocha and expressed sadness over renewed violence, including reports of the destruction of the Igwe’s palace and other houses, as well as the loss of human lives. He urged both communities to learn from history and recognise that dialogue, reconciliation, and mutual understanding remain the lasting solutions to communal disputes.
Calling on progressive sons and daughters of Aguleri and Umuoba Anam, as well as traditional rulers, political leaders, youths, and other stakeholders, Duaka urged all parties to rise above division and work towards lasting peace. Citing the experiences of Ife and Modakeke, as well as Rwanda’s recovery from devastating conflict, he emphasised that communities can overcome even deep-rooted disagreements through determination and reconciliation. He appealed to all people of goodwill, irrespective of religion, dialect, or political affiliation, to protect their common heritage, save lives, and secure a better future for generations yet unborn, declaring that the time to embrace peace is now.
