ONE DEAD, OTHERS INJURED AS LAND GRABBERS INVADE FARMLAND IN MGBOKO, IGBOEZUNU AGULERI.
Tragedy struck in Mgboko, Igboezunu Aguleri, Anambra State, on Monday when Mr. Ikeabali Onwuesi, a 54-year-old farmer, was shot dead by alleged land grabbers. The attackers, led by the priest of Ogwugwu Umudiana shrine, Mr. Ojukwu Egwuatu and Mr Okwudili known as Stain, from Umugege Umudiana Umuleri, invaded the farmland in Ogbocha, shooting sporadically and injuring several others. According to eyewitness Mr. Chibuzor Chuma, who escaped the scene,said that the motive behind the invasion is still unknown.
This incident occurred despite the traditional rulers of Anambra East Local Government Area advising the indigenes of Mgboko and Umugege family in Umudiana to continue farming in the disputed land, but suspend any construction activities until the boundary dispute is resolved. The senseless killing of Mr. Onwuesi while farming on his land has raised concerns about the safety and security of farmers in the area.
The President General of Aguleri Community Assembly, Barr. Rolex Ifeanyi Iloakasia, has strongly condemned the attack. He added that the PG of Umuleri Town Union also condemned the attack.
In a viral voice note, Iloakasia expressed surprise that the group led by Mr. Ojukwu Egwuatu resorted to violence, despite the TC Chairman of Anambra East Local Government Area being on top of the situation. He advised the indigenes of Aguleri and Umuleri to go about their normal businesses, as the identity of the attackers is well known.
Iloakasia emphasized that the incident was an act of land grabbers, not a communal crisis. He assured that the suspects will be brought to justice by law enforcement agencies and warned against any act that could endanger the current peace between the two communities, which is essential for development.
The President General also assured that the traditional rulers of Anambra East communities will work tirelessly to restore peace and will leave no stone unturned in achieving this goal.