Deploys more security operatives to Awka capital
Okey Maduforo, Awka
Anambra Police Command has issued a stern warning that it would not take kindly to any act of violence or criminality during this year’s Imoka cultural festival.
To this end the Command has since last two weeks deployed more officers and men both on uniform and under cover operatives to check mate incidents of violence and criminality in the state Capital.
The festival which started today with the visit of Awka people to Umuokpu village where legendary stories had it is the home of the eldest son of Awka while throughout this week other activities would continue comes to it’s climax when Umuokpu village would pay similar visit to Awka their ancestral home this coming Sunday.
Recall that during every Imoka cultural festival every year it is trailed by violence and criminality as rival cult groups use such an opportunity to settle old and pending scores among themselves.
It has in the past recorded killings which occurs two weeks to the festival and lasts for almost one month as the incident attracts reprisal killings from rival cult groups.
According to the release by the Police Public Relations Officer SP Tochikwu Ikenga;
“Following the information received overtime on how miscreants under the guise of celebration of the Imoka Awka festival become unruly and make life unbearable for the good people of the State especially residents and indigenes of Awka, the Commissioner of Police CP Nnaghe Obono Itam has reiterated the Command commitment in enforcing the law and ensuring public safety”
“He stated this when he, invited some Organizers of the cultural festival comprising the Speaker of Eze Ezu Awka Community, the Palace Secretary of Eze Ezu, the Youth leader, and other stakeholders in Awka in his office at Anambra State Police Command, Awka, and warned criminal elements whose intentions are to hide under this guise to commit a crime to desist forthwith”
“Commissioner was concerned that the festival of such magnitude that is bid to start tomorrow 28/5/204, the community has not formally informed the Command but he urged them to work with the Police to make sure the celebration goes hitch-free. He encourages residents alike especially the Awka indigenes to be law-abiding, vigilant, and security-conscious at all times”
“Given the above, the Commissioner directs the deployment of Officers to intensify confidence-building and crime prevention patrols in some identified areas in Awka”
“In the event to request security services call us on 07039194332 or PRO 08039334002 for a prompt response. The ‘npf rescue me app’ is also available for free download on both Android and Apple IOS, for Android and iPhone users respectively”he said.
