By Our Correspondent
The Anambra State Police Command has arrested ten persons in connection with an alleged case of arson and malicious destruction of property at Okpuno community in Awka South Local Government Area of the state.
The arrests followed reports that suspected thugs, allegedly acting on behalf of a beneficiary of a chieftaincy title conferred by an illegal monarch, invaded a disputed property in the area, vandalised parts of the structure and set a bungalow on the land ablaze.
Community sources alleged that the attack was orchestrated by individuals linked to a proscribed chieftaincy title earlier outlawed by the Anambra State Government, noting that the title was said to have emanated from an unrecognised person who parades himself as the Awka monarch.
Confirming the arrests, the Police Public Relations Officer of the command, SP Tochukwu Ikenga, said the suspects were taken into custody over acts of arson and malicious damage to property, while dismissing claims that the incident was connected to a land dispute.
“The Anambra State Police Command has arrested ten suspects in connection with an alleged case of arson and malicious destruction of property in Okpuno, Awka,” Ikenga said.
He clarified that allegations circulating within the community suggesting the incident was linked to a land dispute in Agbana Ifite, Awka, were false and misleading.
“The Command wishes to categorically refute claims that the incident was related to any land-grabbing activity.
The suspects were arrested strictly for criminal acts involving arson and destruction of property,” he added.
Ikenga warned that the spread of unverified information could heighten tension within the community and undermine public peace.
He disclosed that investigations into the incident were ongoing and assured that the suspects would be charged to court upon the conclusion of investigations.
The police spokesperson further reaffirmed the commitment of the Anambra State Police Command to the maintenance of law and order, urging residents to remain calm and cooperate with security agencies as investigations continue.
