Aguleri–Umuoba Anam Crisis: Bishop Ekwe Urges Calm, Dialogue, Peaceful Resolution
By Nneka Ejeckam
The Bishop of the Diocese of Niger West, Anglican Communion, The Rt. Rev. Johnson N. Ekwe, has on October 2, called for calm and peaceful resolution following the reported crisis arising from a boundary dispute between Amaeze Aguleri and Umuoba Anam communities.
In a statement, Bishop Ekwe expressed sadness over the reported developments, including alleged casualties and destruction of property. He commiserated with affected families, prayed for the speedy recovery of the injured and offered prayers for those who suffered losses.
The Bishop appealed to residents of both communities to remain calm, exercise restraint and avoid any further acts of violence or reprisal. He called for an immediate cessation of hostilities, stressing that dialogue remained the most viable path to lasting peace.
He noted that Amaeze Aguleri and Umuoba Anam are bound not only by proximity but also by history, geography, culture and a shared destiny. He therefore urged the people not to allow a dispute between two communities to be misrepresented or expanded into a wider conflict involving the entire Anam and Aguleri communities.
Bishop Ekwe stressed that disagreements involving individuals, kindreds or communities should be resolved peacefully rather than allowed to escalate into broader communal confrontations.
He warned against portraying the incident as a war between the entire Anam and Aguleri communities, saying such a narrative would undermine peace, unity and the collective interests of the people. “Violence only destroys; dialogue builds", urging all concerned to embrace peaceful engagement, reconciliation and mutual understanding.
He called on traditional rulers, Presidents-General, community leaders, elders, youths, stakeholders, security agencies and relevant government authorities to urgently intervene, facilitate sincere dialogue and work towards restoring peace and mutual trust.
Bishop Ekwe reaffirmed the Diocese’s commitment to praying for peace and supporting genuine peace-building efforts aimed at reconciliation in the affected communities. He concluded by calling for the restoration of peace, justice and brotherly love, urging all stakeholders to work collectively to prevent further escalation of the crisis.
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