The Police Command in Anambra has pledged to arrest the suspected killers of 22 persons in Nibo and Ifite Awka communities in Awka South Local Government Area (LGA) of the state.
Commissioner of Police (CP) in the state, Mr. Nnaghe Itam, made this known in Awka South on Monday.
The CP led an anti-sit-at-home patrol team to the area and carried out security assessment and advocacy in the 21 LGAs of the state.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the Ezinano community in Awka South LGA earlier announced a reward of N10 million to any individual or group who could help the police to apprehend the suspected cultists and killers.
The incident, tagged Nibo/Ifite Awka massacre, witnessed the killing of over 15 persons in Nibo and seven others under similar circumstances on Oct. 20 and Oct. 25 in the area.
“The command is on the trail of some already mentioned suspects involved in the killings,” he said.
Itam urged communities in Awka South to collaborate with the police and take responsibility for being their neighbours’ keepers.
He advised the executive council members, traditional rulers, and the president general of the communities to continue to work with the police and other security agencies on the need to adopt sustainable policing practices.
Others include youth leaders, Anambra State Vigilantes operatives, and Police Community Relations Committee (PCRC) members.
According to him, their cooperation will assist police to improve security surveillance and timely security interventions in the state.
The CP also urged residents to report suspicious persons and unusual movements to the nearest police station or through the command’s emergency phone number – 07039194332.
Responding, Chairman, Awka South LGA, Mr Prince Okafor, who spoke on behalf of the stakeholders, pledged to work with the command and other security agencies to improve public safety.
NAN also reports that Nnaghe led the anti-sit-at-home patrol to Ogidi Divisional headquarters, Obosi Divisional headquarters, Okpoko Divisional headquarters, Harbour Divisional headquarters and Awada Divisional headquarters in the state. (NAN)
