The Anambra state government has ordered the closure of Otuocha market after an inter-communal dispute between Aguleri and Umuoba-Anam communities left five people dead.
Onyekachukwu Ibezim, deputy governor of Anambra, gave the directive during an assessment visit to the affected communities on Friday.
NAN reports that several houses, shops, a rice processing factory containing bags of rice and other public property were razed during the crisis.
Ibezim, who is also chairman of the state boundary committee, said the closure was ordered by Chukwuma Soludo, the state governor.
He said all economic and other activities in the market would remain suspended pending the conclusion of investigations and appropriate action against those responsible.
“No community leader or local government chairman has the authority to determine boundaries between communities without the knowledge of the state government,” he said.
“The State Boundary Committee is responsible for the demarcation and monumentation of boundaries within the state.”
NAN reports that some traders were seen fleeing the area with their remaining goods.
The traditional rulers of Aguleri and Umuoba-Anam, Igwe Michael Idigo and Igwe George Ekwealor, as saying that the crisis started when people from Aguleri attempted to erect a signpost and install security cameras in the market area.
They said three people were killed in Aguleri and two in Umuoba-Anam, while several others were hospitalised and valuables destroyed.
The traditional rulers commended the state government for its swift intervention, saying it helped prevent further casualties and destruction.
Tochukwu Ikenga, the police public relations officer, said the visit to the affected communities and flashpoints enabled stakeholders to identify immediate and sustainable measures to restore peace, strengthen security and prevent further escalation.
The police urged residents to cooperate with security agencies by providing credible and timely information.