Anambra State Governor, Chukwuma Soludo, has approved N15 million for the mass burial of 43 indigenes of Ogwuaniocha who lost their lives during the community crisis that erupted in November 2021.
The cheque was presented to the President General of Ogwuaniocha Progressive Association, Vitalis Ekweanua, by the Commissioner for Petroleum and Mineral Resources, Barr Anthony Ifeanya, who represented the governor during the handover ceremony.
During the presentation, Commissioner Ifeanya commended the community for taking necessary steps to restore peace in the area. He also announced the governor's intention to visit Ogwuaniocha with development projects and assured that the community would receive all benefits due to them as an oil-producing host community.
Community Already Conducted Mass Burial
While receiving the cheque, Ekweanua revealed that the community had already conducted a mass burial for the 43 deceased members on April 20, 2025, using funds they had independently sourced in their efforts to restore lasting peace to the area.
Despite welcoming the government's financial support, the President General lamented that Ogwuaniocha remains largely deserted and faces significant infrastructure challenges.
Community's Desperate Situation
"Ogwuaniocha community is completely deserted. Nothing good is happening here," Ekweanua stated. "Our children no longer go to school because all educational institutions in the community—both primary and secondary schools—were destroyed during the communal crisis."
He further explained that approximately 90 percent of houses in the community, including his own residence as the President General, were damaged beyond repair. Healthcare facilities have also been severely affected.
The community leader highlighted additional challenges related to oil drilling operations in the area, claiming that oil spillage has prevented residents from farming and fishing—their primary livelihoods—without any compensation being provided.
"For the past three years, we have been living in fear, pain, and hunger as a result of the crisis. Our kidnapped traditional ruler has remained missing since the crisis broke out in November 2021 under the immediate past administration of Governor Willie Obiano," Ekweanua added.
Appeal for Further Government Intervention
The community is appealing to Governor Soludo to extend more assistance by reconstructing damaged facilities and building a bridge across the Ulasi River to link Umunankwo to Ihiala Local Government Area.
"With these interventions, I believe the community would regain its lost glory," Ekweanua concluded.
The 2021 crisis has left deep scars on Ogwuaniocha, with residents hoping that the governor's intervention will mark the beginning of the community's recovery and rehabilitation.
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