Anambra CP Orutugu Appeals to Residents to Stop Bringing Land Disputes to Police
The Commissioner of Police in Anambra State, CP Ikioye Orutugu, has appealed to residents of the state to desist from bringing land and inheritance disputes to the police for resolution.
In a statement issued by the Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), Anambra State Command, SP Tochukwu Ikenga on Thursday ,CP Orutugu said that individuals should seek legal redress in court rather than resorting to self-help or involving the police in civil matters.
According to CP Orutugu, the increasing trend of individuals taking the law into their own hands in land-related disputes has led to frequent breaches of public peace, as well as preventable loss of lives and property.
He stressed that the police should not be seen as arbitrators in civil issues such as land ownership, inheritance, or boundary disagreements.
The police commissioner made this appeal during a strategic meeting convened to enhance police-community relations and promote respect for the rule of law.
The meeting specifically addressed the persistent challenges stemming from land disputes across the state and emphasized the importance of lawful, peaceful conflict resolution mechanisms.
The gathering, which took place at the Anambra State Police Command Headquarters in Awka South Local Government Area, was held in alignment with the directive of the Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun.
The IGP had earlier instructed police commands nationwide to refrain from unlawful involvement in civil or land-related matters.
Present at the meeting was the leadership of the Association of Presidents-General of Anambra Town Unions, representing various communities across the state.
CP Orutugu reiterated the IGP’s directive, warning that police officers must not interfere in civil disputes, particularly those involving land, inheritance claims, or boundary disagreements, as these are matters to be adjudicated by competent courts of law.
In response, the President of the Association of Town Unions commended the Commissioner of Police for his clarity, proactive leadership, and commitment to due process.
He pledged the cooperation of all town unions in educating their communities about the importance of resolving land disputes through legal and peaceful means.
The meeting ended with a renewed commitment from both the police leadership and community representatives to work collaboratively in sustaining peace, promoting justice, and fostering lawful coexistence throughout Anambra State.
