By Charles Igwe
Isuaniocha Community in Awka North Local Government Area of Anambra State was rocked by panic as a clash erupted between the Department of Security Service (DSS) attached to the newly elected Traditional Ruler of the community, Igwe Barr. Mkpouorah Ngini, and suspected hoodlums.
The incident unfolded when a faction of the community sought to present the newly recognized traditional ruler for his inaugural address to the people. However, this move faced fierce opposition from individuals allegedly hired to disrupt the proceedings.
Igwe Ngini was one of four traditional rulers recently awarded certificates of recognition by the State Governor, Prof Charles Soludo, on August 19, 2023.
According to an eyewitness, as the traditional ruler’s convoy prepared to depart the area, unidentified armed men engaged the security operatives in a gun battle that extended for over 30 minutes. Fear and tension gripped the community, prompting shop owners, motorists, and bystanders to seek refuge as gunshots and teargas canisters filled the air.
Although there were no reported casualties, a Hilux Panel Van belonging to the DSS caught fire at Obibia Bridge, leading to significant traffic congestion on the community’s sole road.
An undisclosed source from the community suggested that the incident might be linked to the desire of certain unscrupulous elements to perpetuate the crisis, allowing them to continue their illegal land-grabbing activities.
He emphasized that the enthronement of a traditional ruler, which should bring joy and progress, had instead sparked anger among a faction unwilling to accept the new leadership.
The monarch, in response to the incident, called for calm and stressed his commitment to fostering peace and unity in the community.
The State Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Toochukwu Ikenga, confirmed the situation and assured that the police had deployed officers to safeguard lives and property. He urged residents to cooperate with law enforcement in identifying the perpetrators.
Isuaniocha Community has long been mired in conflict, primarily revolving around unauthorized land sales and an ongoing dispute over the Igweship for the past 18 years.
