Anambra CP Sympathizes with Onitsha Market Fire Victims, Review Security Achievements

By Uzo Ugwunze

The Anambra State Police Command has sympathized with the victims of the fire incident at a warehouse located at Ifejirika by Nwangene, Sokoto road near main market Onitsha in the early hours of today, March 28, 2025 where goods worth hundreds of millions were destroyed.

The Commissioner of Police, Anambra State, CP Ikioye Orutugu sympathized with the victims during a press briefing at the Police Command Headquarters, Amawbia to inform residents on the recorded significanct security breakthroughs achieved in the recent past.

According to CP Orutugu, Regrettably, before I go into the details of some of these notable achievements, the Command wishes to sympathize with the victims of the main market fire incident at a warehouse located at Ifejirika by Nwangene in the early hours of today 28/3/2025 and states that the incident could be avoided if necessary precautionary measures were adhered to.

“However, no life was lost and the Command appreciates the support of the Fire Service agency and good-spirited individuals in making sure that the fire was put off. Also, Police have taken over the scene to investigate the cause of the fire and to prevent hoodlums from taking advantage of the situation to commit crimes in the area.

“However , in the Command’s commitment to keeping residents informed about the evolving security situation in the State, the Command has in the two weeks under review recorded significant breakthroughs.

” Given the Operational support from sister agencies, Anambra State Vigilantes and Other Security Operatives through sustained patrols and targeted security operations, four (4) kidnapped victims including a Catholic reverend father were rescued and arrested over ten (10) suspects.

“Also recovered were ten arms of assorted brands, sixteen expended cartridges and Forty-six (46) live ammunition, four vehicles and other incriminating items. Meanwhile, please note that three of the recovered cars have been released to the owners.

“Security Achievements Within the Period Under Review: On March 23rd, 2025, a Joint Security team comprising the Police, Military and other security operatives secured the release of Rev. Father Stephen Echezona at Ihiala. The priest who was rescued unharmed, was abducted at a fuel station in Ichida where a joint security force in an ensuing gun duel with the armed criminals operating in an unregistered white Lexus SUV subdued the criminals and rescued him.

“On 22nd March 2025 by 7.20 am rescued three kidnapped victims along Onitsha/Owerri Express Road, Ozubulu. The victims were rushed to the hospital by the joint security team following various degrees of injury already inflicted on them by the criminals. The victims are currently responding to treatment and have been debriefed by the Police and operations are ongoing for possible arrest of the assailants.

“Moreover, the same date 22nd March 2025, Police Operatives attached to the Obosi division on intelligent-led patrol along the Obosi /Nkpor expressway arrested On kosiso Okonwko ‘M’ and recovered one Berreta pistol. The Suspect confessed to being a member of Aye Confertanity.

“Similarly, the Command acting on complaints to nip in the bud all incidents of robbery of phones and personal belongings of innocent road users along Club Road Awka popularly known as Abakaliki Street, Police Operatives attached to the Special Anti-cult Unit Enugwu Ukwu in the early hours of 18th March 2025, arrested one Chibuike Ozoekwem ‘M’ 22 years and Favour Patrick ‘F’ 19 years respectively in an uncompleted building at Onwurah Street, Awka. The Operatives recovered one pump action gun, sixteen (16) pieces of expended cartridges, a battle Axe, and two suspected stolen phones.

“Subsequently, a victim identified one of the recovered phones and stated that she was robbed on the 13th of March, 2025 at gunpoint by four armed men along the said Club Road. The Police Operatives have expanded the investigation aimed at arresting other fleeing gang members.

“Recently, on 26th March 2025 by 5.48 pm, a Police surveillance team from the B Division on a Stop and Search along Book Foundation Ifite Awka intercepted a tricycle with three passengers and the driver. One of the passengers acting suspiciously was searched and the Operatives recovered one locally made Beretta pistol.

” The suspect was later identified as Somtochukwu Okoye a native of Umuike Village, Awka, who confessed to being a member of the Junior Viking secret cult, mentioned that the gun belonged to one Augustine Okafor aka ABOY, a native of Ore village, Amansea who is already in Police custody over a case of unlawful possession of a firearm.

“In a similar development, yesterday 27th March 2025, by 3.05 pm the Operatives from the same B Division while on Stop and Search along Dynamo junction, Ifite Awka arrested one Richard Onwugbufo of Ugbulu village Oraifite and recovered one Beretta pistol with three live ammunition.

“All the suspects involved shall be charged to court on the conclusion of the investigation

“To this end, the Anambra State Police Command want to use this opportunity to wish our Muslim
brothers and sisters all over the world especially in the State, Happy Sallah Celebration and notes that the Police as the lead agency in internal security, will continue to work in synergy with the military, other security agencies and local vigilante groups to enhance operational capacity, security dominance and tactical efficiency in ensuring the safety and security of all residents,” said Orutugu.