OGIDI, ANAMBRA STATE — As part of ongoing efforts to ensure a peaceful governorship election in Anambra State, the Commissioner of Police, CP Ikioye Orutugu, fwc minps PhD, on October 25, 2025, continued his peace-building advocacy tour with a visit to the Ogidi Area Command and a courtesy call on His Royal Majesty, Igwe Uzo Alexander Onyido, Ezechuamagha of Ogidi Kingdom.
During his engagement at the Palace, CP Orutugu emphasized the importance of traditional institutions in maintaining peace and moral order within communities. “Traditional rulers remain critical partners in preventing violence, discouraging youth involvement in political thuggery, and promoting communal harmony during election periods,” he said.
He appealed to the Palace and community leaders to “continue mobilizing residents towards peaceful participation,” and urged them to “report suspicious movements or activities capable of threatening security before, during, and after the election.”
In response, Igwe Onyido commended the Commissioner for his proactive outreach. “We appreciate your efforts in engaging communities directly. The Palace assures you of our full cooperation in promoting peace and community awareness,” the monarch said. He also called on youths, political actors, and interest groups in Ogidi and surrounding areas to “avoid acts capable of undermining the peace of the community.”
Following a closed-door meeting with Divisional Police Officers, CP Orutugu addressed officers and men of the Ogidi Area Command Headquarters. He reiterated the neutrality of the Nigeria Police Force, stating, “Our responsibility is to secure the electoral space and safeguard the rights of all citizens—not to influence electoral outcomes.”
He added that security agencies in the state are working collaboratively to “ensure a peaceful pre-election environment, a safe voting atmosphere, and a stable post-election outcome.”
An interactive session with security stakeholders—including Hon. Chief Stanley Nkwoka, Chairman of Idemili North Local Government Area; Vigilante Operatives; members of the Police Community Relations Committee (PCRC); Presidents General of Communities; and other leaders—yielded strong support for the Command’s initiatives. Stakeholders commended the continuous engagement and pledged to support a peaceful and credible election. They also committed to “enhanced intelligence sharing and coordinated community-based security efforts.”
CP Orutugu reassured Ndi Anambra that “adequate deployments, surveillance operations, and rapid response units have already been activated to maintain law and order across all Local Government Areas.” He urged the public to “remain law-abiding and reject any calls to violence or disorder,” stressing that “the peace and stability of Anambra State remains a collective responsibility.”
The statement was issued by SP Tochukwu Ikenga, Police Public Relations Officer, Anambra State Police Command, Awka, on October 26, 2025.
