Anambra Police Wades into Anglican Church Leadership Crisis, Warn Parties Against Breakdown of Peace

By Praise Chinecherem

The Anambra State Police Command has intervened in the ongoing dispute involving St Faith Anglican Church, Awka, urging the parties to embrace dialogue and warning that actions capable of escalating tensions will not be tolerated.

Commissioner of Police, CP Nnanna Oji Ama, gave the warning during a meeting with the parties at his office, where he acknowledged the ongoing court proceedings and stressed the need for all concerned to respect the judicial process.

The police chief urged the disputing parties to seek an amicable resolution through peaceful dialogue and the appropriate channels within the church’s established ecclesiastical hierarchy, without prejudice to the pending court proceedings.

Ama expressed concern over the potential consequences of prolonged disagreements among church leaders, insisting that worshippers and parishioners must not become victims of the dispute.

He called on all parties to exercise restraint, demonstrate mutual respect and act responsibly to preserve unity and protect the sanctity of worship.

The commissioner also warned against inflammatory statements, confrontational conduct and any actions capable of heightening tensions or threatening public peace.

He said the command would take appropriate lawful measures to prevent any breach of law and order.

Reiterating the police command’s neutrality, Ama assured the parties that officers would handle the matter professionally, address legitimate security concerns and respect the authority of the court.

“Church leaders, parishioners and other stakeholders must cooperate with ongoing peace efforts, respect due process and refrain from any conduct capable of escalating the dispute into a security challenge,” the commissioner said.

He added that the command remained committed to maintaining peace, protecting lives and property, and ensuring that the disagreement did not develop into a wider security problem.

“The Command remains committed to maintaining peace, protecting lives and property, and ensuring that the dispute is managed without compromising public order,” Ama stated.

The police have urged all stakeholders to prioritise dialogue, respect due process and avoid actions that could jeopardise peaceful worship or public safety as the dispute continues.
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