10 Killed or Missing, 2,000 Displaced in Anambra Communal Clash — NEMA

The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) has disclosed that at least 10 people were either killed or declared missing, while more than 2,000 residents were displaced following a communal clash between Aguleri and Umuoba Anam communities in Anambra State.

The agency also reported that more than 150 houses were destroyed during the violence, which occurred in October in Anambra East Local Government Area.

NEMA’s Head of Operations, Enugu Zonal Office, Priscilla Madukwe, disclosed the figures on Saturday, November 14, 2026, while leading an assessment team to the affected communities to evaluate the extent of destruction and determine the humanitarian needs of residents.

The assessment was conducted jointly by officials of NEMA and the Anambra State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA), alongside local government representatives, community leaders and security personnel.

Madukwe described the scale of destruction as unfortunate, explaining that the Federal Government had deployed the assessment team to establish the level of damage and identify areas requiring intervention.

She said the agency would submit its findings to the Federal Government for possible assistance to affected residents, particularly those who had lost their homes and means of livelihood.

The communal violence reportedly resulted in the destruction of residential buildings, shops, factories, vehicles and other properties belonging to residents, including non-indigenes living in the affected communities. A traditional ruler’s palace was also reportedly razed during the conflict.

The Anambra East Local Government Chairman, Ifeanyi Chinweze, said efforts were ongoing to resolve the disagreements that triggered the violence.

He urged residents of both communities to embrace dialogue and peaceful coexistence, noting that the curfew imposed in the area had helped restore calm.

Meanwhile, the Head of Administration of SEMA, Ndidi Omega, disclosed that the state government had established a committee to investigate the crisis, recommend measures to prevent further violence and identify possible assistance for affected residents.

More than a month after the outbreak of hostilities, the affected communities reportedly remain largely deserted, with security personnel deployed to maintain peace and order.

The latest assessment highlights the humanitarian consequences of the longstanding dispute and the urgent need for reconciliation, security and relief support to enable displaced residents to return to their homes.