The Anambra police command has placed its operatives on alert to prevent any breakdown of law and order that may arise from the Awka traditional stool dispute.

The police public relations officer (PPRO) in the state, Tochukwu Ikenga, disclosed this in a statement made available to journalists in Awka on Friday.

The statement read in part, “The Anambra police command has observed a concerning pattern of comments and narratives following the report of the panel of inquiry on the Awka traditional stool, which may pose a threat to public peace and order.

“Consequently, the command has placed the operatives of the Anti-Cult Unit and Rapid Response Squad, Awka Sector, on the alert to proactively address any potential security concerns arising from the situation.”

It also stated that all the divisional police officers and their operatives across the state, especially within Awka, have intensified security surveillance, intelligence gathering, and visibility patrols to forestall any breakdown of law and order.

“To this end, the Commissioner of Police, Mr Ikioye Orutugu, urges all stakeholders and the public to exercise restraint, avoid inflammatory statements, and refrain from actions capable of inciting unrest,” the statement added.

It quoted Mr Orutugu as saying that individuals or groups found engaging in acts that threatened public peace would be dealt with in accordance with the law.

The PPRO further stated that the command remained committed to ensuring the safety and security of all residents.

Meanwhile, Governor Chukwuma Soludo has charged the police to enforce the report of the panel of inquiry on the disputed traditional stool.

Mr Soludo gave the charge when the new Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Disu, visited him at the Government House, Awka.

The state government recently submitted its findings on the rightful person for the Awka traditional stool.

(NAN)