Police put operatives on alert over Anambra traditional stool dispute

The Anambra Police Command has placed its operatives on high alert to prevent any breakdown of law and order arising from the ongoing dispute over the Awka traditional stool. The Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO) for the state, SP Tochukwu Ikenga, disclosed this in a statement made available to newsmen in Awka in Akwa The […]

The Anambra Police Command has placed its operatives on high alert to prevent any breakdown of law and order arising from the ongoing dispute over the Awka traditional stool.

The Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO) for the state, SP Tochukwu Ikenga, disclosed this in a statement made available to newsmen in Awka in Akwa

The statement read in part: “The Anambra Police Command has observed a concerning pattern of comments and narratives following the report of the panel of inquiry on the Awka traditional stool, which may pose a threat to public peace and order.

“Consequently, the Command has placed operatives of the Anti-Cult Unit and the Rapid Response Squad (Awka Sector) on alert to proactively address any potential security concerns arising from the situation.” (NAN)

The statement further noted that all Divisional Police Officers (DPOs) and their operatives across the state—particularly within the capital—have intensified security surveillance, intelligence gathering, and visibility patrols.

“To this end, the Commissioner of Police, Mr. Ikioye Orutugu, urges all stakeholders and the public to exercise restraint, avoid inflammatory statements, and refrain from actions capable of inciting unrest,” the statement added.

Orutugu warned that individuals or groups found engaging in acts that threaten public peace would be dealt with in accordance with the law, adding that the Command remains committed to ensuring the safety of all residents.

Meanwhile, Governor Chukwuma Soludo has charged the police to enforce the findings of the panel of inquiry regarding the disputed stool. Soludo gave the charge during a visit by the Inspector General of Police, Olatunji Disu, to the Government House in Awka.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the panel, established by the State Government, recently submitted its findings regarding the rightful occupant of the Awka traditional throne. (NAN)