The Anambra State Police Command has intensified efforts to resolve the dispute at St Faith Anglican Church, Awka, with Commissioner of Police, CP Nnanna Oji Ama, urging the parties involved to pursue peaceful dialogue and seek resolution through the church’s established hierarchy.
The commissioner held a meeting with the disputing parties at his office on Friday, October 23, 2026, as part of efforts to prevent the disagreement from escalating into a breakdown of law and order.
In a statement issued on Friday, the Police Public Relations Officer, SP Tochukwu Ikenga, said CP Oji Ama acknowledged that the dispute was already before the court and stressed the importance of respecting ongoing judicial proceedings.
The police chief urged the parties to explore appropriate channels within the church’s ecclesiastical hierarchy to resolve their differences peacefully, without prejudice to the court process.
He cautioned against involving parishioners and worshippers in the disagreement, stressing that ordinary members of the congregation should not be made to suffer the consequences of differences among church leaders.
CP Oji Ama also called on all concerned to exercise restraint, demonstrate mutual respect and act with maturity in the interest of peace, unity and the sanctity of worship.
The commissioner warned against inflammatory statements, confrontational conduct and any action capable of heightening tensions or threatening public peace, adding that the Command would not hesitate to take appropriate lawful measures to prevent a breach of law and order.
Reassuring the parties of the police command’s impartiality, Oji Ama said the police would continue to address legitimate security concerns professionally, 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 the peace efforts, respect due process and refrain from actions capable of turning the dispute into a security challenge.
Ikenga, who signed the statement on behalf of the Command, reaffirmed the police commitment to maintaining peace, protecting lives and property, and ensuring that the dispute is managed without compromising public order.
