By 𝔸bdulrazak Tomiwa

There is growing tension at the Igbariam Farm Settlement in the Anambra East Local Government Area following violent attacks on local Anglican and Catholic churches.

A group of youths from the community reportedly invaded the religious institutions, claiming ownership of the land and the resources within the settlement.

Venerable Obiora Igbokwe of Christ Anglican Church, Igbariam, recounted a harrowing experience where he narrowly escaped being lynched. He stated that the attackers arrived around 7:30 am on motorcycles and a white car, numbering about 25 and carrying various weapons, which prompted him to hide inside the parsonage with his son.

The clergyman explained that the youths justified their invasion by claiming they were there to harvest palm fruits in the massive farm settlement. This area was originally established by the defunct Eastern Nigerian government under the late Dr. Michael Okpara, but the local youths are now asserting communal rights over the territory.

During the raid, the attackers reportedly looted several valuable items from the church premises. Igbokwe detailed the loss of a 3kv generator, construction materials including 16mm rods, aluminum frames, and clothing, as well as personal electronics like mobile phones and chargers.

The violence also extended to the theft of livestock kept on the church grounds. According to the priest, the youths made away with 15 goats, sheep, and rams, further crippling the church’s agricultural efforts and livelihood within the settlement.

In an attempt to further dismantle the church’s infrastructure, the attackers tried to remove the borehole’s water pump machine. However, they were unsuccessful as the rope holding the “sumo” pump snapped during the struggle, causing the equipment to sink deep into the borehole beyond their reach.

The incident has sparked fear among the residents and religious leaders in the area, as the youths continue to chant war songs and use musical instruments to assert their presence. The local authorities are being called upon to intervene before the land dispute escalates into a larger communal crisis.