By Vincent Ujumadu

Awka – No fewer than 120 people in Nkerehi community in Orumba South Local Government Area of Anambra state who, fled their homes following crisis that erupted  in the community last weekend, were yesterday attacked in the Church  in the town, where they had taken refuge.

It was gathered that after the crisis in the town, some of the people fled to the neighboring communities on Sunday, while the aged numbering about 50 were said to be taking refuge at the St. Paul’s Anglican Church.

About 15 persons, who were caught up in the crisis, were said to have been attacked by yet to be identified persons and are currently being treated at a private hospital in Umunze.

Five houses belonging to people of Nkerehi were also allegedly set ablaze by rampaging youths, although the worth of property destroyed could not be ascertained at press time.

It will be recalled that there had been dispute in the community, following  the change of the name of the community. While some people favoured the change of the name to Umuchukwu, others insisted that the change would not only make them loose their identity but their ancestral benefits.

Mrs. Filicia Igwike, a trader from the area told newsmen yesterday, in Umunze that the crisis started when youths of Umuchukwu swooped on Nkerehi people without any provocation.