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The Anambra State Government has ordered the immediate closure of Otuocha Company Market following renewed violence between Aguleri and Umuoba-Anam communities in Anambra East Local Government Area.

The violence, which erupted amid a land dispute between the two communities, left five people dead, with several others injured and properties, including the palace of the traditional ruler of Aguleri, burnt.

The palace was set ablaze late on Friday by unknown persons following an exchange of gunfire in the area.

The fresh violence occurred shortly after a team led by the state Commissioner of Police, Nnanna Oji, and the Deputy Governor, Onyekachukwu Ibezim, visited the communities for an on-the-spot assessment.

During the visit, several houses, shops, a rice processing factory containing numerous bags of rice and other properties were found burnt, while traders reportedly fled the area with their remaining goods.

Residents alleged that the crisis was triggered by Aguleri Community’s attempt to erect a signpost and install Closed-Circuit Television cameras at the boundary between the two communities, which was opposed by Umuoba-Anam.

Following the renewed violence, Ibezim, who is also the Chairman of the Anambra State Boundary Committee, announced the closure of the market on the instruction of Governor Chukwuma Soludo.

He said the market would remain closed until the government concluded its assessment of the damage and investigations into the incident.

“The market will remain shut until further notice to allow the state government to ascertain the level of damage caused by the crisis.

“And no activity will take place there until the state government completes necessary investigations and takes appropriate action against those responsible for the incident.

“No community leader or local government chairman has the authority to determine boundaries between communities without the knowledge of the state government. The State Boundary Committee is responsible for the monumentation of boundaries within the state,” he said.

Speaking in separate interviews, the traditional rulers of Aguleri and Umuoba-Anam, Igwe Michael Idigo and Igwe George Ekwealor, respectively, said the dispute escalated after Aguleri people attempted to erect a signpost and security cameras in the market area.

The monarchs said Aguleri lost three people while Umuoba-Anam lost two in the violence.

They also said several people were hospitalised and property was destroyed during the clash.

The traditional rulers commended the state government for its intervention, saying it helped prevent further casualties and destruction.

Meanwhile, the Anambra State Police Command condemned the renewed violence and alleged arson in the area.

In a statement on Saturday, the command’s spokesman, SP Tochukwu Ikenga, said the fresh violence was a breach of the peace agreement reached after the earlier intervention by security and government officials.

Ikenga said, “The Command strongly condemns the resort to violence, destruction of property and other acts capable of undermining the prevailing peace and security in the affected communities.

“The Command reiterates its commitment to maintaining law and order, while it commends community leaders, government officials, security stakeholders and residents who have continued to adhere to the agreed peace resolution and refrain from actions capable of escalating the situation.

“The peaceful resolution of disputes remains the most responsible path to sustainable peace and development.

“We urge all parties to exercise restraint and allow ongoing engagements and lawful processes to address their grievances.”

Ikenga warned that anyone found culpable after investigation would face prosecution.

“The Command also calls on traditional rulers, town union leaders, youth leaders, women’s groups and other stakeholders in both communities to continue to work with the Police and other security agencies in sustaining calm and preventing further escalation,” the statement added.

He urged residents to remain vigilant and provide credible information about persons or groups planning to disrupt the peace through appropriate security channels.

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What was meant to be a solemn farewell turned into a scene of horror and wailing at Aleto, Eleme, Rivers State.

A burial ceremony went silent, then erupted in screams, when the preacher himself became the message.

Deacon Steve Eyo, Resident Pastor of the Redeemed Christian Church of God, Aleto, had mounted the podium with fire. His topic: “The Certainty of Death and Hope Beyond.”

More than 300 mourners sat in rapt attention. His voice was strong. His delivery, piercing.

Death is certain. You cannot escape it,” he warned. “Death is like going to the market. Some leave early, some stay till late. Some die young, some live long. But it will come when you least expect it.”

He spoke at 1:10 p.m. By 1:25 p.m., prophecy met reality.

Mid-sentence, as he was rounding off with a final charge – “Number your days and prepare, for it can happen anytime” – his voice cut. The microphone crashed to the floor with a loud thud. The pastor collapsed on the stage.

For a few seconds, no one moved. Many thought it was drama – an illustration of sudden death.

Then panic set in.

“Pastor! Pastor!” voices cried as people rushed forward.

The choir surged to the pulpit, praying loudly, hands stretched. Ministers surrounded him, shouting prayers. Others with medical knowledge battled to revive him, pressing his chest, calling his name. But his breath was gone.

In a heartbreaking twist, the same ambulance hired to convey the corpse for burial was used to rush the preacher to the nearest hospital.

It was too late.

At the clinic, he was confirmed dead. His body was taken to the mortuary – just hours after he had told the living to prepare for death.

Before he fell, he had told the mourners that death is not the end, that judgment comes after, and that every day must be numbered and lived wisely.

He lived his last sermon.

Aleto is in mourning. The burial ground that came to bury one, almost buried two.

Source: news platforming.ng

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The Edo State Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Jarrett Tenebe, has come under fire following a controversial threat involving AK-47 rifles against anyone who attempts to frustrate the party’s plan to deliver 2.5 million votes for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

Tenebe made the remarks on October 2, 2026, in Benin City, while addressing APC supporters at a party gathering organised after the recently concluded local government council election in the state.

Speaking at the event, the APC chairman said Governor Monday Okpebholo had promised to deliver 2.5 million votes for Tinubu in Edo State, insisting that the party was determined to make good on the pledge.

He also claimed that the APC secured 2,158,600 votes in the recent local government election, describing the alleged result as an unprecedented achievement in the state’s political history.

However, his address took a controversial turn when he issued a warning to individuals he accused of attempting to obstruct the party’s electoral ambitions.

“Those who do not wish us well, who want to create an obstacle for us, I have a prayer for you,” Tenebe said.

He went further, making an explicit reference to the use of firearms against anyone who might stand in the party’s way.

“So anybody who refuses, who wants to stand in our way, for us not to have those votes that we intend to give to Mr President, AK-47 fire,” he declared.

Tenebe reportedly reinforced the controversial remark by comparing his statement to the use of a general-purpose machine gun, further repeating the phrase “AK-47 fire” in reference to those he accused of opposing the party’s objective.

His comments have drawn attention because of their apparent reference to armed violence in the context of political competition and the mobilisation of votes for the 2027 presidential election.

The remarks have also raised questions about the language political leaders use when addressing opponents and the implications of making threats involving firearms during political gatherings.