The Anambra State Police Command has said the deadly attack on a residential settlement in Agu-Ifite, Awka, was a calculated criminal plot designed to ignite ethnic tension and destabilise the prevailing peace and security in the state.
The Command disclosed this in a security update issued on Tuesday by the Police Public Relations Officer, SP Tochukwu Ikenga, following ongoing investigations into the early morning attack of July 21, 2026, which claimed four lives.
According to the police, preliminary findings indicate that the assailants deliberately targeted the settlement in an attempt to provoke ethnic divisions, but their plan failed because residents of Anambra refused to be drawn into divisive narratives.
“The Anambra State Police Command has observed that the attack in the early hours of 21st July 2026 on residential settlers in Agu-Ifite was part of a calculated criminal plot aimed at creating ethnic tension and undermining the existing peace and security in the State.
“The Command notes that Ndi Anambra have continued to demonstrate unity, tolerance and peaceful coexistence, and have refused to be drawn into divisive ethnic narratives. This collective resolve has undoubtedly frustrated the criminal objective of sowing discord among residents.”
Ikenga said the Police-led Joint Security Team immediately visited the scene after the incident to carry out an operational assessment and engage key stakeholders, including community leaders and representatives of the affected settlers.
He explained that the engagement was aimed at strengthening public confidence, gathering firsthand information and enhancing coordinated security efforts in the area.
“Following the incident, the Police led a Joint Security Team to the scene for an on-the-spot assessment and operational review. The team engaged relevant community leaders, representatives of the affected settlers, and other critical stakeholders to strengthen confidence, obtain firsthand information, and coordinate ongoing security measures.”
The police spokesperson disclosed that investigators had obtained valuable intelligence from survivors and other credible sources, leading to intensified efforts to track down those behind the attack.
“The intelligence gathered from survivors and other credible sources has provided useful leads. Consequently, 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 appealed to residents to remain calm, vigilant and continue supporting security agencies with credible information that could aid the investigation.
Ikenga reaffirmed the commitment of the Anambra State Police Command to safeguarding all law-abiding residents, irrespective of ethnic or religious background, assuring that every effort was being made to ensure the perpetrators are arrested and prosecuted.
“The Command 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 latest update comes a day after gunmen attacked the settlement, killing four persons, setting homes ablaze and leaving behind evidence that has since triggered an intensive investigation by security agencies.
