The Anambra State Police Command has launched a manhunt for persons allegedly involved in the breach of a peace agreement between Aguleri and Umuoba Anam communities following a fresh arson incident in the area.
The development came shortly after an on-the-spot assessment of the crisis-affected communities on Friday, October 2, by the Commissioner of Police, Anambra State Command, CP Nnanna Oji Ama, alongside the Deputy Governor, Dr Onyekachukwu Ibezim, other government officials and security stakeholders.
The Command condemned the reported resort to violence and destruction of property, warning that such acts could undermine efforts to restore lasting peace in the communities.
CP Ama commended traditional rulers, community leaders, government officials, security agencies and residents who had continued to respect the agreed peace resolution and urged them not to allow the latest incident to derail the ongoing peace process.
He called on the parties to exercise restraint and pursue their grievances through dialogue and lawful channels, stressing that nobody would be allowed to take the law into their own hands.
The police said strategic security measures had been deployed to the affected areas, while efforts were ongoing to identify and arrest those suspected of violating the peace agreement or participating in the reported arson and other criminal activities.
The Command said suspects found culpable after investigation would face the law.
The Commissioner also urged traditional rulers, town union leaders, youth organisations, women’s groups and other stakeholders in Aguleri and Umuoba Anam to cooperate with security agencies and help prevent further escalation.
The police appealed to residents to remain vigilant and provide credible information that could assist ongoing investigations and security operations.
The fresh crisis has reportedly resulted in a death, injuries and property destruction in the area, prompting renewed security intervention by the state government and security agencies.
The Command, through its Police Public Relations Officer, SP Ikenga Tochukwu, assured residents that it would continue to employ dialogue, intelligence-led policing and lawful enforcement to protect lives and property and sustain peace in the affected communities.
