By PAMELA EBOH, Awka

The Commissioner of Police in Anambra State, John Abang, has appealed to all Anambra people to remain calm and desist from actions that can further exacerbate the situation.

The CP in a statement made available to journalists in Awka on Thursday night by the state Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), SP Haruna Mohammed, regretted the level of damage perpetrated in the state by protesters.

He however urged the public to sustain the level of cooperation with the Police at all times especially during this trying period in order bring lasting peace in the state.

Abang reeled out events in the state since the advent of the #EndSARS protest to include killing of a police officer, attack on police stations and vandalisation of patrol vehicle, among others.

He said: “On the 21/10/2020 at about 11:30pm hoodlums in large number under the guise of “END SARS” protesters attacked Nnewi Police Station, set it ablaze and vandalized patrol vehicles and other exhibits but were prevented from assessing the armoury to cart away arm due to strong resistance placed by police men on duty.

“Similarly, on the 22/10/2020 between 3:30am and 5:pm,the hoodlums in large number equally attacked Nnewi Area Command,3-3 Division, Ogbunike/Isiuwulu, Nnobi, and Itchy Divisions as well as peoples club police post, burnt Police vehicles and set the facilities ablaze carting away exhibits kept at the Divisions.

“Meanwhile, one police officer was beheaded and burnt to ashes while three others sustained various degrees of injuries. The injured police officers were rushed to the hospital for medical attention and they are responding to treatment.

“Consequently, seven other police stations namely CPS/Area Command Onitsha, Ogidi, Awada, Inland Town and ‘B’ Divisions successfully repelled the attacks and chased the hoodlums away.”

The CP said police operatives in collaboration with members of the Communities comprising of youths, vigilante and Community leaders at Okpoko, CPS Awka, Oraifite, Otolo, Amichi and Oba vehemently resisted attempt by the hoodlums to attack the police stations.

He added that five persons were attacked in Onitsha and taken to the hospital for medical attention where three have been confirmed dead by the medical doctor while two others are receiving treatment.

“Other government property burnt or destroyed includes High Court Ogidi, Idemili North LG Secretariat while Zik Statue at DMGS roundabout was vandalized. Arrest was equally made.

Finally, it is interesting to note that one major factor responsible for the overall successes recorded by the Command are the support of His Excellency the Executive Governor of Anambra State Chief Willie Obiano, “Ndi Anambra” and residents alike particularly Youth, Community leaders and local vigilante group who were observed to have been very cooperative with the personnel of the security agencies,” he said.

Abang urged the public to report any distress through the Command emergency number 07039194332 for prompt action.

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