Chinedum Treasure
The Umuoba Anam Youth Council has raised the alarm over an alleged threat by some Aguleri youths to confront Nigerian Army personnel deployed to the Anambra East area, warning that such action could plunge the neighbouring communities back into renewed violence.
The youth body urged the Anambra State Government and security agencies to urgently investigate a WhatsApp voice note allegedly linked to an unidentified Aguleri indigene, in which the speaker reportedly questioned the presence of soldiers at a checkpoint along the road towards Ama-Igwè Aguleri and threatened a confrontation if the troops failed to vacate the area.
According to the council, the alleged threat was reportedly linked to plans to launch an attack on Sunday, October 4, 2026.
In a strongly worded statement signed by its President-General, Comrade Onyebuchi Mmeh, and Secretary, Onyebuchi Mmeze Nweke, the council described the alleged recording as disturbing and potentially dangerous to the already fragile peace process.
The council said it was particularly concerned because the security personnel were deployed to help prevent further escalation of the longstanding communal dispute.
“We condemn in the strongest terms any plan or statement aimed at confronting the Nigerian Army or sabotaging the ongoing peace efforts,” the council said.
“At a time when the government and security agencies are working to de-escalate tensions, nobody should be allowed to deliberately drag our communities back into violence.”
‘We Have Chosen Dialogue Over War’
The Umuoba Anam Youth Council said its community had maintained restraint despite what it described as arrests of some residents and gunshot injuries allegedly sustained by others during the military’s peacekeeping operations.
“Despite the fact that some of our people were arrested and others sustained injuries from gunshots fired by military personnel on peacekeeping duties in our community, we have refrained from any sign of hostility towards them,” the council said.
It added: “That is because we are genuinely committed to the peace process and have always preferred dialogue to war.”
The youth body therefore appealed to its counterparts in Aguleri to desist from further attacks on Umuoba Anam and avoid any confrontation with security personnel deployed to maintain peace in Otuocha and surrounding areas.
According to the council, the presence of the Nigerian Army should be regarded as an effort to protect lives, maintain order and prevent another cycle of bloodshed.
“We urge our people not to engage security personnel or take any action that could turn a fragile situation into another cycle of violence,” it warned.
Council Demands Investigation
The youth leaders also demanded a comprehensive investigation into the circulating recording, including efforts to establish the identity of the person behind it and verify claims concerning any reported casualties.
“We are calling for a proper investigation. If anyone has threatened to attack security personnel or incited violence, the appropriate authorities should investigate the matter and take action in accordance with the law,” the statement said.
The council maintained that Umuoba Anam remained committed to dialogue and would continue working with the Anambra State Government, traditional institutions and security agencies in pursuit of lasting peace.
“We want peace, and we will continue to support every genuine effort aimed at achieving lasting peace,” it said.
“What we cannot support is any attempt by individuals, regardless of their community, to sabotage that process through threats, incitement or violence.”
‘This Is Time for Responsible Leadership’
The youth council appealed to community leaders, parents and young people on both sides of the divide to exercise maximum restraint and avoid statements or actions capable of inflaming tensions.
“This is a time for responsible leadership, not provocation. Nobody should do anything that will cost another family a life or destroy the progress already made towards peace,” it said.
The council called on the Anambra State Government, Nigerian Army and other relevant security agencies to urgently assess the contents of the alleged voice note, strengthen measures to prevent violence and ensure that anyone found to have violated the law is prosecuted through due process.
It further urged all stakeholders to prioritise dialogue, lawful dispute-resolution mechanisms and the protection of lives and property.
The Umuoba Anam Youth Council stressed that no grievance could justify actions capable of triggering another round of communal violence, insisting that the current peace process must be protected from individuals seeking to undermine it.
#UmuobaAnam #Aguleri #AnambraEast #AnambraNews #PeaceInAnambra #CommunityPeace #NigerianArmy #PeaceProcess #YouthLeadership #ConflictResolution #SouthEastNigeria #AnambraState
About Author
