Former Anambra State Governor and presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress NDC, Peter Obi, has appealed to the people of Umuoba-Anam and Aguleri communities in Anambra East Local Government Area to immediately end hostilities and embrace peace.

Obi made the appeal in a statement, expressing concern over renewed tensions between the neighbouring communities and the impact of the conflict on residents.

He urged community leaders and residents to prioritise dialogue and reconciliation, saying efforts should be directed towards restoring peace and protecting lives and livelihoods.

The former governor said continued violence would only worsen the hardship already faced by residents, adding that destruction caused by conflict would serve no useful purpose.

Obi stressed that no grievance, regardless of how serious, was worth the loss of lives, destruction of homes and livelihoods, or the suffering inflicted on families.

He urged both communities to choose dialogue over violence and reconciliation over revenge, saying disputes could be resolved through peaceful means.

The appeal comes amid reported tensions between Umuoba-Anam and Aguleri in Anambra East Local Government Area, with concerns over the effect of the hostilities on residents and their means of livelihood.

Anambra State Governor, Prof. Chukwuma Soludo, had also directed the affected communities to immediately cease hostilities, maintain peace and exercise restraint.

Obi called on community leaders to work together towards lasting reconciliation and ensure that peace was restored in the area.