Anambra State Governor, Professor Chukwuma Soludo, has approved a N15 million grant to assist the oil-rich Ogwuaniocha community in Ogbaru Local Government Area with the mass burial of 43 locals who died during a violent internal conflict in November 2021.
The cheque was officially presented by the Commissioner for Petroleum and Mineral Resources, Anthony Ifeanya, to Honourable Vitalis Ekweanua, President General of Ogwuaniocha Progressive Association. Other community stakeholders witnessed the handover.
The crisis, which left dozens dead, also led to the destruction of homes, schools, and healthcare centres, forcing many residents to abandon the area. The community has remained largely deserted ever since.
While thanking the people for choosing peace, the Commissioner assured them of Governor Soludo’s commitment to bringing development projects to the area. He emphasized that Ogwuaniocha, as an oil-producing host community, deserves full support under the current administration.
Responding to the gesture, Honourable Ekweanua expressed gratitude for the N15 million assistance but said the community still faces deep suffering. He revealed that nearly all homes in the area, including his, were destroyed, and schools and hospitals remain unusable.
He raised concerns over oil spills from ongoing drilling operations that have stopped farming and fishing. Despite these disruptions, the community has not received any compensation.
Ekweanua also reminded the government that their traditional ruler, kidnapped during the crisis, has yet to be found after three years. He appealed for urgent rehabilitation of public services, including the construction of a bridge across Ulasi River to reconnect Ogwuaniocha with Ihiala Local Government.
Describing Governor Soludo as a “God-sent leader,” he pledged the community’s full political support in the upcoming 2025 governorship election.
