By Anayo Okoli
Umuahia—ONE person was feared dead at Omaegwu Ehume autonomous community in Umuahia South Local Government Area of Abia State, following a communal clash in the community due to a lingering chieftaincy dispute.

Houses, cars and other valuable property were burnt during the crisis when youths in the community allegedly attacked the home of one Chief Chikara Ugorji, an alleged contender to the Ezeship of the community.

Ugorji is said to be contending to the Ezeship seat of the community being currently  occupied by Eze Chukwudozie Nelson Nwosu.

A youth from the community, identified as Sopuluchi Nzeadighibe, was alleged to have died of gun shot wounds allegedly fired by Ugorji when the youths allegedly invaded his compound and broke into his house to attack him.

Consequently, Ugorji’s house and shop were set ablaze by the mob. They also destroyed two vehicles, a Nissan Pathfinder marked EP 546 LND and a Mercedes Benz car with registration number DH 133 AAA, belonging to Ugorji.

Abia State police command spokesman, Geoffrey Ogbonna, who confirmed the incident, explained that some arrests had been made.

Among those arrested, according to Ogbonna, are the man who shot at the people and two youths.

He said the matter was now at the state Criminal Investigation Department of the command.

Scores of armed anti-riot policemen have already been deployed in the area to maintain order and peace.

Vanguard learnt, however, that even though Omaegwu Ehume had been having Ezeship tussle, the immediate cause of the bloody conflict was linked to Ugochukwu Amaefule for allegedly destroying some economic trees in the community.

Amaefule was alleged to have led the youths in the community to cut down the trees where they alleged that some prominent members of the community had tied the destiny of the youths, thereby making it very difficult for them to make progress in life.

The youths were said to have gone to court in Umuahia last Friday when they hoped that their leader, Amaefule would be granted bail but were reported to be disappointed as the court did not sit, let alone grant their leaders freedom.

Their attack on Ugorji was linked to their claim that he was behind the arrest and detention of their leader.