Anambra CP Lauds Awka Indigenes over Crime, Violence-free Imoka Festival

By Praise Chinecherem

Anambra state Commissioner of Police, Ikioye Orutugu has commended the people of Awka for making the 2025 Imoka Festival a success, with zero reported cases of crime or violence.

Police spokesperson, Tochukwu Ikenga in a statement, described the achievement as reflection of the community’s commitment to peace and cooperation with the security agencies.

He urged other localities to emulate such conduct in every aspect of their lives in the State.

The statement reads, “The Commissioner of Police, CP Ikioye Orutugu today 25th May 2025 commended the people of Awka for making the 2025 Imoka Festival a success, with zero reported cases of crime or violence.

“This achievement reflects the community’s commitment to peace and cooperation with the security agencies and urges other localities to emulate such conduct in every aspect of their lives in the State.

“The Command is pleased with the development as it underscores the importance of fostering unity and cooperation.

“Anambra State has several festivals and carnivals, including Afia Oru, New Yam and Ofala Festivals, which celebrate the State’s cultural diversity and traditions.

“The State also has a cultural heritage, with numerous tourist attractions such as Agulu Lake, Ogbunike Cave, and Igbo Ukwu Museum, which showcase the State’s history, art and natural beauty as well as a safe and attractive destination for all.

“The CP also commended other sister agencies especially the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) on Traffic Management and Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) in complementing Police Operational deployment to sustain Safety given 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 of Awka.

“To this end, the CP noted that his administration is poised to operate an all-inclusive policing system to hear from everyone and anyone, who wants to help us as an institution by giving us information that may guide/inform our decisions especially to enhance public peace and safety in the State.”