The Anambra State Police Command has raised the alarm over rising tensions in Awka following reactions trailing the report of the Panel of Enquiry on the disputed traditional stool.
In a statement issued on Friday by the Police Public Relations Officer, SP Tochukwu, the command warned that emerging narratives could threaten public peace.
The statement reads, “the Command had observed a concerning pattern of comments and narratives” capable of escalating into unrest if not properly managed.
“As part of proactive measures, the Command has placed operatives of the Anti-Cult Unit and the Rapid Response Squad (RRS), Awka Sector, on red alert to swiftly respond to any potential breakdown of law and order.
The statement further revealed that Divisional Police Officers (DPOs) across the state, particularly within Awka, have intensified surveillance operations, intelligence gathering, and visibility patrols to deter any security breaches.
According to the statement, the Commissioner of Police, CP Ikioye Orutugu, urged residents, stakeholders, and interest groups to exercise caution and restraint.
It warned against inflammatory statements or actions that could incite violence.
The statement stressed that the Command would not hesitate to enforce the law against individuals or groups found engaging in acts capable of disrupting public peace.
“The Command remains committed to ensuring the safety and security of all citizens,” the statement added, assuring residents of sustained vigilance amid the unfolding situation.
Panel report generating tension
The development comes amid heightened public interest and mixed reactions surrounding the outcome of the inquiry into the Awka traditional stool.
The matter has continued to generate debate across the state especially since the Panel of Inquiry set up by the Governor submitted his report earlier in the week.
The panel chaired a former Chief Judge of the state, Justice Paul Obidigwe, found that Chief Gibson Nwosu (Eze Uzu II) was not lawfully dethroned as there was no valid legal grounds for his removal.
The panel noted that he was denied fair hearing, violating due process declaring his purported dethronement “unlawful, invalid, and of no effect.”
The report conversely faulted Austin Ndigwe’s emergence insisting that he was not properly selected, did not follow statutory and traditional procedures and is therefore illegitimately occupying the stool.
