Ogwuaniocha Crisis: Anambra Govt Sues for Peace, Establish 13-Man Probe Panel

By Praise Chinecherem

A 13-man Committee has been set up by the Anambra State Government to look into the lingering crisis in Ogwuaniocha, a community in Ogbaru Local Government Area of the state, which led to loss of lives and destruction of properties.

Chairman of the Committee, Justice C K Anigbogu (Rtd), said government wants to find out the exact cause of the problem, consequences and the implications on both the wider and smaller scale, profer remedies so that Ogwuaniocha would be peaceful once more, and the foundation for overall peace in Anambra State through that process can be achieved.

“We want to present the situation the way it is without any colouration, and we can say that so far, the members of the community have been very cooperative as there’s no incidence of antagonism throughout the proceedings.

“They have submitted their memoranda and have asked themselves very critical and crucial questions and given honest answers, and we commend them for that approach because that’s the only thing that would bring peace.

“That is why we still asked them as a community to maintain peace and avoid any kind of provocative approach to issues that may inflame passions.

“So far, people of the community have acquitted themselves creditably in their presentations, comported themselves and came out openly to say some few home truths.

Anigbogu urged them to continue in that spirit, even as they still expect some number of people who would appear before the panel of inquiry.

He also encouraged them to bare their minds to enable the committee to access the situation, which at the end of the day, will collate all the information and make their suggestions kown to the State Government.

While appealing to them, especially those who lost their persons or properties to exercise patience as the Government wants to address the issue holistically, Anigbogu admonished the community to avoid provocative languages, utterances and things that might hurt.

He further enjoined the community and the youths to sheath their swords and see themselves as brothers where everybody will have the collective responsibility of protecting the community and the rich natural resources so it will be of benefit to the community and the state at large.

Mosignor Theophilus Odukwe and the traditional ruler of Osomala, Igwe Victor Awogu, in their separate speeches, advised the Ogwuaniocha community to come together and embrace peace as that would bring about unity and development they desire.

Members of the Committee of Panel of Inquiry include Hon Justice CK Anigbogu.
Prof. Felicitate Anyogu, Patricia Igwebuike Esq., Gen. Laz Iloh, Mosignor Theophilus Odukwe, Ven Dr. Chinedu Nnatuanya,
Prof. Charles O. Ofoegbu. Prof. Ikenna Alumona, Mr Benjamin Uzoka, Chief Emma Obi, Prof. Charles Nwadigwe ,HRH Victor Awogu and Comrade Emeka Okoye-Ozo.