Houses razed as hoodlums attack former Anambra chief judge

Hoodlums on Sunday reportedly attacked a former Chief Judge of Anambra state (name withheld) and burnt several houses in a communal clash between Anaku and Omor communities in the Ayamelum local government area.

A source said no fewer than three buildings were burnt and about nine persons injured in the fracas.

The source said, “About nine persons, including a former chief judge of the state were injured; with two persons in critical condition, while three houses, including that of a former commissioner in the state were razed.

“The clash might not be unconnected with an age-long land dispute between the two communities, with the recent being triggered by some youths from Omor community, with a reprisal attack by Anaku youths .

“Some youths from Anaku community attacked the former chief judge from Omor town and inflicted on him machete cuts.

“Some youths in our community, out of anger, stormed Anaku community and burnt down buildings, including those of a former commissioner and the slate Traditional Ruler of the community.

State police spokesperson Ikenga Tochukwu confirmed the incident, stating that normalcy had returned to the communities following the visit to the area by police commissioner Chris Owolabi and a team of officers on Sunday .

“I have not gotten the details on the level of damages and casualties but that is the position of thing there for now,” Tochukwu said.

“Normalcy has been restored in the area.

“The commissioner urges the good people of the state especially those in the area not to panic but work with the police and other security agencies.”