The Anambra State Police Command has convened a peace meeting with parties involved in the ongoing dispute at St Faith Anglican Church, Awka, as part of efforts to prevent a breakdown of law and order.
The meeting was held at the office of the Commissioner of Police, CP Nnanna Oji Ama, who acknowledged that the matter was already before a court and urged the parties to respect the judicial process.
The Commissioner encouraged those involved to pursue peaceful dialogue and explore appropriate channels within the church’s established ecclesiastical hierarchy to resolve their differences without prejudice to the ongoing court proceedings.
He stressed that parishioners and worshippers should not be drawn into the disagreement or made to suffer the consequences of differences among church leaders.
CP Ama urged all concerned to demonstrate restraint, mutual respect and maturity in the interest of peace, unity and the sanctity of worship.
He also cautioned against inflammatory statements, confrontational conduct and any actions capable of escalating tensions or threatening public peace.
The Commissioner warned that the Command would take appropriate lawful measures to prevent any breach of law and order.
Reaffirming the Police Command’s impartiality, CP Ama assured the parties that the Police would continue to discharge their responsibilities professionally, address legitimate security concerns, respect the authority of the court and uphold the rights of all parties in accordance with the law.
The Command called on church leaders, parishioners and other stakeholders to cooperate with ongoing peace efforts, respect due process and refrain from conduct capable of turning the dispute into a security challenge.
It reaffirmed its commitment to maintaining peace, protecting lives and property, and ensuring that the dispute is managed without compromising public order.
