The Anambra State Police Command has expressed serious concern over the reported breach of the agreed peace to end a lingering misunderstanding between Aguleri and Umuoba Anam communities in Anambra East Council Area of the state.
Recall that the violent clashes reported to have been caused by a land dispute had allegedly resulted in the death of a youth and injuries to many, after intense shooting on Thursday.
The State Commissioner of Police, CP Nnanna Oji Ama had embarked on an on-the-spot assessment of the situation, alongside the Military and other top government officials on Friday, during which peace was said to have been brokered.
However, it was reported that the clashes renewed the same Friday, resulting in an arson incident in the area.
Spokesperson of the Anambra State Police Command, SP Tochukwu Ikenga, in a statement early Saturday, expressed the State Commissioner of Police’s dissatisfaction over the development, saying the Command condemns the resort to violence, destruction of property and other acts capable of undermining the prevailing peace and security in the affected communities.
He quoted the State Commissioner of Police,as reiterating the Command’s commitment to maintaining law and order.
“The CP commends community leaders, government officials, security stakeholders and residents who have continued to adhere to the agreed peace resolution and refrained from actions capable of escalating the situation.
“The Commissioner stressed that peaceful resolution of disputes remains the most responsible path to sustainable peace and development, urging all parties to exercise restraint and allow ongoing engagements and lawful processes to address their grievances,” Ikenga said.
The PPRO said the Command has consequently emplaced strategic security measures in the affected areas and commenced efforts to identify and apprehend persons suspected to have violated the peace resolution or participated in the reported arson and other criminal acts.
He further warned that no individual or group would be allowed to take the law into their own hands, stressing that anyone found culpable after due investigation would be made to face the full weight of the law.
“The Command also calls on traditional rulers, town union leaders, youth leaders, women’s groups and other stakeholders in both communities to continue to work with the Police and other security agencies in sustaining calm and preventing further escalation.
“The Police reassures the people of Anambra State that the Command remains committed to the protection of lives and property and will continue to employ dialogue, intelligence-led policing and lawful enforcement measures to restore and sustain peace in the affected communities.
“Members of the public are urged to remain vigilant and promptly provide credible information on the activities of persons or groups planning to disrupt the peace through the appropriate security channels,” the statement read.
