A former Chief Judge in Anambra state, Rtd. Justice Paul Obidigwe, was attacked on Sunday with houses burnt in a communal clash between Anaku and Omor communities in Ayamelum Local Government Area of the state.
A source, disclosed that “About nine persons, including the former Chief Judge, were injured; with two persons in critical condition, while three houses, including that of a former Commissioner in the state, were razed.”
“The clash might not be unconnected with an age-long land dispute between the two communities, with the recent being triggered by some youths from Omor community, with a reprisal attack by Anaku youths.”
“Some youths from Anaku community attacked the former Chief Judge from Omor town and inflicted on him machete cuts. Some youths in our community, out of anger, stormed Anaku community and burnt down buildings, including those of a former Commissioner and the slate Traditional Ruler of the community.”
The state Police Public Relations Officer, Ikenga Tochukwu confirmed the incident, stating that normalcy had returned to the communities following the visit to the area by the Commissioner of Police, Chris Owolabi, and a team of officers on Sunday.
The PPRO added, “I have not got the details on the level of damages and casualties but that is the position of things there for now. Normalcy has been restored in the area. The CP urges the good people of the state especially those in the area not to panic but work with the police and other security agencies.”
