UMUMBO/OMOR crisis: Azubogu Sues For Peace

…Condemns wanton destruction of lives and properties
…Advocates proactive approach in management of communal crisis

The Member representing Nnewi North, Nnewi South and Ekwusigo Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, Hon., Engr. Chris Emeka Azubogu has sued for peace and understanding among various communities in Anambra State.

Azubogu, who spoke through his media office, was reacting to the communal disquiet involving two sister communities, Omor and Umumbo in Ayamelum LGA of the state.

While emphasizing that destruction of lives and properties as a result of land disputes do not define our humanity, the quintessential lawmaker said:

“We are a republican people by nature who build understanding through community meetings; not war. Killings and destruction of properties reduces our humanity and going forward, we should shun both as means of conflict resolution” he said.

The University of Nigeria Nsukka trained Engineer who did his Industrial Training (IT) as an undergraduate in Ayamelum LGA (which houses both communities) observed that further escalation of the crisis will disrupt the farming season and this will have dire consequences.

“Ayamelum LGA is one of the major food baskets in the State. If that area is allowed to be engulfed in avoidable strife at a time we should be evolving strategies to keep our post COVID-19 economy afloat, (in which Agriculture will play a great role) that will be too unfortunate. Incidentally, we are already in farming season and crisis like this can only be an invitation to hunger” he said.

The lawmaker who goes by the sobriquet ‘MrProject’ and who is known for driving a renaissance of the Industrial and agro sectors is worried that just last month, Odekpe and Allah N’ Onugwa communities in Anambra West LGA were involved in a bloody communal clash that left horrendous destruction in its trail.

Concluding, Azubogu advised the state government to evolve and adopt a proactive approach that will nip such crisis in the bud instead of resorting to reactive measures after the damage is done. His words:

“I am so worried that just last month, two communities in Anambra West LGA, were enmeshed in a bloody crisis resulting from land dispute. And today, we are talking about disquiet in two other communities in Ayamelum LGA due to same land dispute. It is sad that all the communities involved are food baskets which roles in the food supply chain of the state cannot be overemphasized” Azubogu bemoaned.

By Azubogu Media Office
7th May 2020