…Reveals plan to police state without guns
By Tony Ezike
The Commissioner of Police in Anambra State, CP Ikioye Orutugu, has emphasized the urgent need for collaborative efforts between the police, traditional institutions, and community stakeholders to strengthen security in the state.
CP Orutugu made this call during a reception in his honour organized by HRH Igwe Dr. Robert C. Eze (Okofia VI), the Traditional Ruler of Ukpo and Eze Umudunukofia, at his palace in Dunukofia Local Government Area.
Addressing the audience, CP Orutugu unveiled his unique intention to police Anambra without the use of guns, stressing that security must begin with proper upbringing, mentorship, and institutional synergy.
“The issue of crime and criminality in Anambra can be effectively tackled by reviving our traditional crime-fighting methods and restoring the value system among the youth,” he said.
He decried the alarming rate of land grabbing in the state, revealing that the police command receives over 100 land-related cases daily. According to him, most of these land disputes often escalate into violent crimes.
“You wake up to petitions ranging from armed robbery, kidnapping, to attempted assassination, only to discover it all began with a land dispute,” he lamented.
CP Orutugu stressed the need to redefine land ownership and called for more involvement of traditional institutions in dispute resolution, saying:
“We must return to our roots and instill fear of consequences through traditional methods to deter crime. Traditional rulers should take the lead in restoring peace and discipline in their communities.”
He further expressed concern over the erosion of values among the younger generation, citing poor parental guidance and get-rich-quick mentality as contributing factors.
“In the past, young people completed apprenticeships. Today, they drop out after two years, return in flashy cars, and mock their masters,” he said. “Ritual killings and fraud are now glorified. Parents no longer question the sudden wealth of their children, especially mothers who even celebrate such wealth without verification.”
Orutugu noted that the decline of discipline in homes has extended into the wider society, urging a return to communal values and traditional deterrents.
He called on the government to formally recognize and integrate the roles of traditional rulers in community policing and youth mentoring, stating that:
“Fear of repercussions once existed in our communities, and it curbed crime. We need to revive that through traditional authority.”
In his remarks, HRH Igwe Dr. Robert C. Eze reiterated the readiness of the traditional institution to work with security agencies. He stated that community policing cannot succeed without the support of local leaders and the establishment of strong vigilante systems.
“As custodians of the people, we have always partnered with the police. Our local vigilante groups complement security agencies in maintaining peace, and we remain committed to this cause,” the monarch said.
The highlight of the event was the presentation of a life ram by the Igwe-in-Council to CP Orutugu in appreciation of his commitment to peace and order. CP Orutugu, in turn, presented an award of honour to Igwe Robert C. Eze for his leadership and contributions to peaceful coexistence in Ukpo kingdom, and Anambra state.
