The Anambra Police Command has deployed all Area Commanders, Divisional Police Officers (DPOs), and other formation heads for Saturday’s annual Imoka festival in Awka, the state capital, and the National Assembly primary elections of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) across the state.
Consequent upon the above security arrangements, the Command has warned that it would not take kindly to any act of violence, cultism or thuggery during the two events.
Recall that Governor Charles Soludo had, in a meeting with the Ozo Tittle Holders of Awka, urged them to reconsider the chosen 23rd of May date for the Imoka festival due to the primary elections of his party, APGA, stating security challenges to the state should the two events take place on the same day.
Though it is not clear if Soludo’s demand was accepted by the Ozo Tittle Holders, the preliminary celebration of the festival commenced as usual last Monday when Awka citizens paid the traditional visit to their kin and kin at Umuopku village preceding this Saturday’s final Imoka celebration.
Similarly, APGA is going ahead with its direct primary elections at the wards and local government levels, indicating that the two functions are taking place on the same day.
It is against these developments that the Anambra Police Command issued a statement signed by the Public Relations Officer, SP Tochukwu Ikenga, warning against any act of violence, cultism and thuggery, which had in past been permanent incidents during the two activities.
The statement read thus, “The Anambra State Police Command, in collaboration with other security agencies, has intensified security deployments across strategic locations in the State ahead of the Imoka Festival celebrations and various political party primaries scheduled to hold on 23rd May 2026 in different parts of Anambra State.
“The Command has directed all Area Commanders, Divisional Police Officers (DPOs), and tactical commanders to personally supervise operations within their Areas of Responsibility to ensure adequate security coverage, maintenance of law and order, and protection of lives and property throughout the period.
“Also, the Commissioner of Police, CP Ikioye Orutugu, fwc minps PhD, on behalf of other security agencies, warns individuals and groups against any act capable of causing friction, apprehension, panic, or breakdown of law and order during the celebrations and political activities.”
Ikenga further said that the Police – led joint security team specifically cautioned against any form of violence, intimidation or attack on persons or groups of persons.
The Command also warned against any display or brandishing of weapons in public places and conduct capable of inciting unrest or threatening public peace.
It also warned against the indiscriminate erection of canopies or structures in ways that obstruct traffic flow or hinder public movement.
The statement also urged residents, political actors, supporters, and participants in the Imoka festivities to conduct themselves peacefully and cooperate with security operatives deployed across the State.
“The Police Command reassures Ndi Anambra of its commitment to ensuring a peaceful atmosphere before, during, and after the events. Members of the public are encouraged to remain law-abiding, vigilant, and promptly report any suspicious movement or security concern to the nearest Police Station or any security formation,” it said.
