Rotary Moves to End Communal Clashes in Anambra

By Praise Chinecherem

Rotary Action Group for Peace (RAGFP) Anambra State Branch has intensified advocacy to completely end bloody clashes in various communities in Anambra State.

RAGFP, a group within Rotary International that focuses on promoting peace and conflict resolution, flagged off the peace process at Ezi Agulu-Otu Aguleri community in Anambra East Local Government Area of the State during its advocacy visit to the traditional ruler of the town, His Royal Highness, Igwe Lawrence Nwofia and his cabinet.

Recall that hundreds of residents of the two warring communities were displaced from both their homes and farmlands during a prolonged land disputed communal clash.

According to the State Coordinator of RAGFP, Rtn Chidi Obiudu said they were in the Monarch’s palace to address the communal crisis, in Anambra East Local Government Area of the state.

He noted that most of the communities in Anambra East/West Council Areas of the State are bedevilled by challenges that constantly lead to avoidable loss of lives and properties.

There are also battling invasions, destructions and killings by land grabbers, others have also suffered unmitigated kidnappings allegedly by land invaders and other criminal elements often referred to as unknown gunmen.

Our mission in Anambra is to: Promote peace and understanding: fostering a culture of peace, tolerance, and understanding within communities.

• Support conflict resolution: Provide resources and support to help resolve conflicts and promote peaceful coexistence.

Empower communities: Empower local communities to take ownership of peacebuilding initiatives and develop sustainable solutions.

Advance the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs): Specifically, focusing on SDG 16, which aims to promote peaceful and inclusive societies.

“By working together with Rotary clubs, communities, and other organizations, RAGFP strives to create a more peaceful and harmonious world.

“This also falls in line with governor Chukwuma Charles Soludo’s vision of making the State a secure, livable and prosperous homeland in Nigeria.

“Our advocacy has the potential to reduce the incidents of violent crimes and other criminalities in Anambra East and Anambra State in general.

While commending Governor Chukwuma Soludo and the Monarch, for their wisdom in peace building, particularly in their recent efforts to resolve the communal crisis between Aguleri and Anam, Obiudu called on other concerned individuals and groups to avoid taking laws into their hands, embrace RAGFP initiative and seek sustainable reconciliation for the overall peace of two worried communities.

Earlier, the traditional ruler, expressed his appreciation for RAGFP’s dedication to peace, noting that peace is essential in leadership and in all communities, especially where people from different backgrounds coexist.

He further promised to continue fostering peaceful relations within his community and beyond, wherever he may be.

The visit also featured a presentation of the Peace Ambassadorial award to the Monarch, Igwe Lawrence Nwofia.