Anambra Youths Clash Over Land Ownership

Angry youths destroyed Houses and razed farmland in a communal clash due to ownership of farmland between Nzam and Anam communities in Anambra state.

according to reports youths of Anam community were said to have stormed the community through a bush path and allegedly set ablaze thatched houses and yam seedlings of the farm camp of the farmers.

It was gathered that Youths of Nzam community, in a reprisal attack, set ablaze houses and properties in the farm camp of Umuemu community.

A resident of the area, who did not want to be named, said although no life was recorded in the incident, some persons sustained injuries from gunshots fired sporadically during the fracas.

Confirming the incident, said no casualty was recorded but disclosed that two suspects have been arrested in connection with the clash.

He said the clash may not be unconnected with a protracted land dispute between both communities.

Mohammed, however, said the situation was brought under control through combined Security forces who were on ground to restore lasting peace in the affected communities.

He said, “At about 3pm, there was a report that youths of Umuemu Anam community in Anambra West LGA using a bush path went to the farm camp of neighbouring Nzam community also in the same Local Government and allegedly set ablaze their thatched houses and yam seedlings.

“Consequently, in a swift reaction, youths of Nzam community also mobilised using speedboats and went to the farm camp of Umuemu community, set ablaze houses and properties.”

He said value of property destroyed were still unknown.

According to Mohammed, “Joint Patrol teams of the Police, the Army and other Sister agencies were immediately deployed to the area to restore order and arrest perpetrators of the unfortunate incidents.

The police spokesperson said the state Commissioner of Police, Garba Baba Umar had ordered for a full scale investigation to determine the circumstances surrounding the incident.

“The public are enjoined to go about their lawful businesses and report any suspicious persons or movements to the nearest Police Station.