Police Deny Speculative Report on 14 Political Assassinations in Anambra

By Praise Chinecherem

The Anambra State Police Command has dismissed as false, misleading, and unfounded reports alleging that the state had recorded fourteen cases of political assassinations between 2022 and 2024.

Spokesperson, Tochukwu Ikenga in a statement on Wednesday admitted that while the State had recorded some security incidents, such incidents were not targeted at any individual, tribe, social status, or political assassinations as alleged.

He urged residents to disregard the false claims, calling for continued partnership with security agencies by providing credible information to sustain the peace and security of the State.

The statement reads, “We’re aware of a publication by Punch Newspapers credited to one Mr Salaudeen Hashim alleging that Anambra State has recorded fourteen (14) cases of political assassinations between 2022 and 2024.

“The Command wishes to categorically state that this claim is not only false, misleading, and unfounded, but also a product of the writer’s imagination.

“Ordinarily, the Command would not have responded to such baseless allegations. However, for the sake of public confidence, relative peace, and the safety currently being enjoyed not only in Anambra State, but across the South-East region, it has become necessary to set the record straight.

“It is, therefore, important to note that while the State has recorded some security incidents, these incidents were not targeted at any individual, tribe, social status, or political assassinations as mischievously claimed.

“Rather, they were attacks perpetrated by criminal elements hiding under the guise of self-styled agitators, common enemies of the State and other non-state actors whose activities are being consistently confronted and dismantled by security agencies.

“To further stress this publication as malicious, and mischievous, the places mentioned in the publication as supposed high-risk Local Government areas for election not to hold which include Ihiala, Ogbaru, Nnewi South, Orumba North, and Onitsha North were where the recently concluded non-violent Anambra South Senatorial and State House of Assembly bye-elections took place respectively in the State.

“The Command, in collaboration with sister security agencies, has remained proactive and relentless in addressing such threats.

“Our operations have significantly reduced violent crimes across the State and Anambra remains one of the most peaceful States in the South-East.

“The Commissioner of Police, Anambra State Command, CP Ikioye Orutugu, reassures Ndi Anambra and the general public of the Command’s unwavering commitment to protecting lives and property.

“He further calls on the media to avoid sensational publications capable of creating unnecessary fear or misrepresenting the security situation in the State.

“To this end, the Command urges residents to disregard the false claims and continue to partner with security agencies by providing credible information to sustain the peace and security of Anambra State.”