The Anambra State Police Command has raised the alarm that the attack on residential settlers in Agu-Ifite in the early hours of 21 July 2026 was part of a calculated criminal plot aimed at creating ethnic tension and undermining the existing peace and security in the state.
In a statement issued on Wednesday, the Police Public Relations Officer of the Anambra State Police Command, Awka, SP Tochukwu Ikenga, said the attack was intended to incite public disorder and fuel ethnic divisions among residents.
According to the statement, the Command noted that Ndi Anambra have continued to demonstrate unity, tolerance, and peaceful coexistence, refusing to be drawn into divisive ethnic narratives despite the provocation.
It added that the collective resolve displayed by Ndi Anambra has undoubtedly frustrated the criminals’ objective of sowing discord and mistrust among residents.
The statement further disclosed that, following the incident, the Police led a Joint Security Team to the scene for an on-the-spot assessment and operational review.
It stated that the team engaged relevant community leaders, representatives of the affected settlers, and other critical stakeholders to strengthen public confidence, obtain firsthand information, and coordinate ongoing security measures aimed at preventing further attacks.
According to the statement, intelligence gathered from survivors and other credible sources has provided useful leads that are assisting investigators in tracking down those responsible for the attack.Anambra Police: Agu-Ifite Attack Was Plot to Trigger Ethnic Crisis
It added that security operatives have intensified intelligence-driven and coordinated manhunt operations to identify, apprehend, and bring all those involved in the attack to justice.
The Command also urged members of the public to remain calm, vigilant, and continue supporting security agencies by providing credible and timely information that could aid ongoing investigations and security operations.
“The Command also reiterates its commitment to protecting every law-abiding resident of Anambra State, irrespective of ethnic or religious affiliation, and assures that no effort will be spared in ensuring that the perpetrators are arrested and prosecuted,” the statement added.
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