Anambra Police Clears Air on Presence at Anglican Church Amid Crisis, Warns Against Fake News

By Our Reporter

The Anambra State Police Command has dismissed misleading reports surrounding the presence of police officers at St. Faith Anglican Church in Awka, urging the public to avoid spreading unverified information capable of escalating tensions over the alleged ecclesiastical dispute.

The Police Public Relations Officer, SP Tochukwu Ikenga, made this known in a statement on October 19, clarifying the circumstances behind the deployment of police personnel to the church.

According to the command, police deployment to any location is guided by the need to maintain law and order, prevent a breakdown of peace, protect lives and property, and ensure the safety of all individuals, irrespective of their affiliations or positions in the dispute.

The command emphasised that the presence of police officers at the church should not be interpreted as support for any faction or position in the religious disagreement.

“The presence of police personnel should not be construed as support for any party in an ecclesiastical dispute,” the command maintained, stressing that the Nigeria Police Force remains committed to neutrality, the protection of citizens’ rights, and the enforcement of the law.

It further explained that its intervention was aimed at preventing the situation from deteriorating into a threat to public peace and security.

The police also cautioned media organisations, social media users, and other stakeholders against publishing or circulating unverified claims about the incident.

The command urged the public to prioritise responsible reporting and information verification, warning that sensational or misleading narratives could heighten tensions and deepen divisions within the religious community.

It reiterated that the police would not allow disagreements, whether religious or otherwise, to degenerate into violence or a breach of public peace.

The command reassured Ndi Anambra of its commitment to discharging its constitutional responsibilities professionally, impartially, and without fear or favour.

The police urged residents to remain calm, verify information before sharing it, and allow the appropriate authorities to handle the situation in accordance with the law.

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