Anambra CP, Deputy Governor Assess Crisis-Hit Aguleri, Umuoba Anam, Seek Lasting Peace
The Commissioner of Police, Anambra State Command, CP Nnanna Oji Ama, and the Deputy Governor of the state, Dr Onyekachukwu Ibezim, alongside other top government officials, heads of security agencies and critical stakeholders, have conducted an on-the-spot assessment of crisis-affected areas in Aguleri and Umuoba Anam communities.
The visit was aimed at assessing the security situation, evaluating the extent of damage caused by the crisis and exploring immediate measures to restore peace and prevent further escalation in the affected communities.
This was contained in a statement issued by the spokesman of the Anambra State Police Command, SP Tochukwu Ikenga, on Friday and made available to journalists in Awka, the state capital.
According to the statement, the visit formed part of ongoing efforts by the state government and security agencies to stabilise the affected areas, safeguard lives and property, and restore and maintain law and order.
It added that the on-the-spot assessment provided the Commissioner of Police and other stakeholders with a first-hand understanding of the security situation and the challenges confronting residents in the affected communities.
The statement further disclosed that the delegation confirmed the fatal injury sustained by a victim, assessed the extent of property destruction and reviewed the impact of the crisis on residents, businesses and the affected communities.
It stated that the visit also enabled the stakeholders to identify both immediate and sustainable measures aimed at restoring peace, strengthening security and preventing further escalation of the crisis.
According to the statement, the Commissioner of Police reiterated the commitment of the Anambra State Police Command to maintaining law and order, protecting the lives and property of residents, and ensuring that citizens are able to carry out their legitimate activities without fear.
CP Nnanna Oji Ama also called on residents of Aguleri and Umuoba Anam to remain calm and refrain from actions capable of further aggravating the situation.
He urged residents, community leaders and other stakeholders to cooperate with the Police and other security agencies by providing credible and timely information that could assist ongoing security operations, investigation and peace-building efforts.
The Commissioner stressed the importance of collective responsibility in restoring normalcy, urging all parties to pursue lawful and peaceful means of resolving grievances and avoiding actions that could further endanger lives or property.
In a similar vein, the Deputy Governor, Dr Onyekachukwu Ibezim, urged traditional rulers, community leaders, youth organisations, town unions and other stakeholders to work collaboratively with the state government and security agencies towards achieving lasting peace in the affected communities.
Ibezim reiterated that security is a shared responsibility, stressing that sustainable peace can only be achieved through the cooperation, commitment and constructive engagement of all stakeholders.
He urged community stakeholders to support efforts aimed at restoring confidence among residents and creating an environment conducive to peaceful coexistence and the return of normal economic and social activities.
The Command assured residents of Aguleri and Umuoba Anam that appropriate security measures were being put in place to stabilise the affected areas, protect lives and property, and prevent further breaches of the peace.
The Police Command further stated that efforts were ongoing to address the underlying issues contributing to the crisis through dialogue, community engagement and other lawful channels, while assuring residents that the security agencies would continue to monitor the situation closely and respond appropriately to any emerging threats.
