Residents of Ogwuikpele community in Ogbaru Local Government Area of Anambra have fled their homes following alleged killings and unwanton destruction of buildings and other property in the area.
The incident occasioned by intra-communal crisis was allegedly triggered by a certain levy from an oil exploring company in the community.
The Nation gathered almost half of the community had since been deserted as residents fled to neighbouring communities for safety.
Confirming the incident, Police spokesperson, Haruna Mohammed, said investigation had commenced, assuring that perpetrators would be brought to book.
He said: “On 12/2/2021 at about 11:19pm there was a report of intra-communal crisis in Ogwuikpele Community by the Council Chairman òf Ogbaru LGA of Anambra State, Hon. Arinzechukwu Awogu over a levy from an oil exploring company in the community.
“Following the report, the Command quickly dispatched joint Police teams comprising PMF/RRS and other Conventional Units in collaboration with the local Community Vigilante group led by the Area Commander Oraifite, ACP Wilfred Afolabi to the scene and met virtually half of the Community deserted.
“Situation was brought under control and normalcy restored in the area. Joint patrols are ongoing to reassure fleeing residents to return to the Community and ensure lasting peace in the area.
“Meanwhile, investigation has commenced in earnest to ascertain number of lives lost, injuries sustained, damage to property, circumstances surrounding the incident, identify and bring perpetrators to book.
“The Command once again appeals to the fleeing residents to return to the Community since normalcy has been restored and warns restive factions to maintain peace and assist in the investigation rather than resort to violence.”
“Following the report, the Command quickly dispatched joint Police teams comprising PMF/RRS and other Conventional Units in collaboration with the local Community Vigilante group led by the Area Commander Oraifite, ACP Wilfred Afolabi to the scene and met virtually half of the Community deserted.
“Situation was brought under control and normalcy restored in the area. Joint patrols are ongoing to reassure fleeing residents to return to the Community and ensure lasting peace in the area.
“Meanwhile, investigation has commenced in earnest to ascertain number of lives lost, injuries sustained, damage to property, circumstances surrounding the incident, identify and bring perpetrators to book.
“The Command once again appeals to the fleeing residents to return to the Community since normalcy has been restored and warns restive factions to maintain peace and assist in the investigation rather than resort to violence.”
Credit: The Sun