Aguleri–Umuoba Anam: Police Hunt Arson Suspects

The Anambra State Police Command has begun moves to arrest those allegedly responsible for an arson incident that threatened the peace recently reached between Aguleri and Umuoba Anam communities.

The Command said the incident was particularly troubling coming shortly after an on-the-spot assessment of the area by the Commissioner of Police, CP Nnanna Oji Ama, alongside military personnel and other government officials on Friday.

The Police condemned the alleged burning of property and warned residents of both communities against taking the law into their own hands.

CP Oji Ama commended community leaders, government officials and residents who have continued to respect the peace agreement and urged them not to allow the latest incident to drag the communities back into conflict.

He said dialogue and lawful processes remained the best way to resolve the issues between the two communities, adding that security agencies would not tolerate actions capable of worsening the situation.

Following the incident, the Command said it had strengthened security in the affected areas and was working to identify and arrest those suspected to have taken part in the arson and other related offences. “No individual or group will be allowed to take the law into their own hands,” the Commissioner warned, adding that anyone found culpable after investigation would face prosecution.

The Police also appealed to traditional rulers, town union leaders, youth and women leaders and other stakeholders to help maintain calm and discourage actions that could trigger another round of violence.

The Command urged residents to provide security agencies with credible information about persons planning to disrupt the peace, assuring them that the protection of lives and property remained its priority.

The statement was issued on Friday by the Police Public Relations Officer, SP Tochukwu Ikenga, on behalf of the Anambra State Police Command.