Archbishop Ibezim Pledges Support to Police on Improved Security in Anambra

By Praise Chinecherem

Anglican Archbishop of the Ecclesiastical Province of the Niger and Bishop of Awka Diocese, Most Rev Dr. Alexander Ibezim has affirmed readiness of the church to support the Police in ensuring a better security delivery in Anambra State.

Ibezim gave the assurance while receiving Assistant Inspector-General (AIG) of Police in charge of Zone 13 Headquarters, Ukpo, AIG Abayomi Oladipo at the Bishop’s court in Awka.

He commended the strategic leadership of the AIG in enhancing the security architecture of the Zone.

The Prelate also lauded AIG Abayomi’s dedicated team of officers and expressed gratitude for the visit, just as he offered prayers for God’s continued guidance and grace upon the AIG in discharging his duties effectively.

“We will continue to support the Nigeria Police Force (NPF) in ensuring a better security delivery in Anambra State and the Zone,” he added.

Responding, AIG Abayomi expressed appreciation for the warm reception and emphasized that no security framework can succeed without the collaboration and support of critical stakeholders, including faith based institutions.

He appealed for sustained partnership and cooperation of religious organizations in the collective effort to checkmate insecurity and maintain peace across the Zone.

He said, “This visit underscores the NPF’s commitment to building robust, multi-faceted partnerships essential for sustainable peace and security.

“The engagement with religious leaders is a clear statement that aligns perfectly with the Force’s strategic component for more effective community-oriented policing framework under the leadership of Nigeria’s Inspector-General of Police (IGP) Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun.

“The engagement also demonstrates the force recognition of faith-based institutions as pivotal allies in fostering societal moral values, social harmony, and proactive crime prevention within the community.

“The dialogue between us further reinforces the essential collaboration between law enforcement and community pillars to promote safety, trust, and collective responsibility for security across Zone 13.”

Accompanying the AIG during the visit were key members of his Management Team, alongside ACP Paul Urom the Assistant Commissioner of Police, Zonal Department of Operations (AC ZOPS).

Others were CSP Ihunwo Josephine, Police Public Relations Officer of Zone 13 Headquarters, Ukpo, and DSP Williams Omotayo, PA to the AIG.