By Izunna Okafor, Awka
The Anambra State Police Command has discourage and cautioned individuals, groups and organisations against organising or participating in any form of march or street protest within Awka, the Anambra State capital, citing public safety concerns and the need to consolidate recent security gains against cultism and other violent crimes in the state.
The warning was contained in a press statement issued on Friday, January 16, by the Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO) of the Command, SP Tochukwu Ikenga, who emphasised that the directive was in the overall interest of public peace, order and the safety of law-abiding residents.
According to the Police spokesperson, the Command has, in recent times, recorded “significant gains” in the fight against cultism and violent criminal activities across the state through sustained intelligence-led operations, strategic patrols, targeted arrests and strengthened community-based policing initiatives.
SP Ikenga also recalled that even barely two days ago, police operatives engaged suspected cult members in a fierce two-hour gun battle at Enugwu-Agidi, which resulted in the neutralisation of a confessed member of the Vikings Confraternity’s strike squad and another gang member. The suspect, the Police said, were reportedly on a mission to retaliate the killing of one of the group’s members by a rival cult group before being intercepted by operatives.
The Command further warned that any unauthorised marches or street protests at this critical period could undermine these security gains and others, disrupt public peace, obstruct lawful activities and even expose innocent citizens to avoidable risks.
While acknowledging the constitutional rights of citizens to peaceful assembly and freedom of expression, the Police stressed that such rights must be exercised responsibly and strictly within the confines of the law. SP Ikenga also noted that unauthorised marches, street occupations or protests capable of obstructing traffic, disrupting commercial activities or constituting public nuisance would not be tolerated in the state.
The Police, however, advised organisers, pressure groups and concerned stakeholders to adopt lawful and constructive channels of engagement, such as dialogue with relevant authorities, formal submission of petitions and collaboration with appropriate institutions, rather than resorting to street actions that could escalate tension or create security breaches.
In the police statement, members of the public were also urged to remain calm, continue with their lawful activities and promptly report any suspicious movements or actions capable of breaching public peace to the nearest police formation, for appropriate action.
Reiterating the Command’s resolve, SP Ikenga assured Ndi Anambra that the Anambra State Police Command remains committed to proactive policing and will continue to deploy all lawful means to ensure a safe, peaceful and secure environment for residents and visitors across the state.
