A civil society group, the League of Igbo Youth Lawyers, has criticized the Anambra State Commissioner of Police, CP Ikioye Orutugu, over his alleged comments and actions following a deadly attack in the Oko community last Thursday.
According to the group, CP Orutugu reportedly threatened to shut down the Federal Polytechnic, Oko, located in Orumba North Local Government Area, during his visit to the community one day after the attack. He had gone to the scene on Friday to meet with the town union and student leaders following the killings.
The group claims the Police Commissioner blamed the town’s residents for the violence and allegedly warned that the police would take strong action against them if such incidents continued. This reaction has drawn strong criticism from the legal group, who believe such remarks are unfair and not helpful while investigations are still ongoing.
On June 19, unknown gunmen stormed the Oko community near the Federal Polytechnic. The attack led to the death of at least four people, many believed to be students, while seven others were injured. Two more individuals were reportedly kidnapped during the chaos, spreading fear within the institution and the surrounding area. The police have linked the attack to cult activities.
During his visit, CP Orutugu also stopped by a local hospital where victims were being treated and provided assistance. A video from the visit, which went viral online, showed him speaking with the town union and community members.
In a statement released by the group’s National Secretary, Obinnaya Asiegbu, and made available to reporters in Awka, the lawyers questioned why the Commissioner would point fingers at the community instead of focusing on a proper investigation.
“We note that investigations into the tragic attacks are supposed to be ongoing at the time of the CP’s visit; therefore, to put the blame on the door of the community or the students was most unworthy,” the group stated.
The Executive Director of the group, Stanley Okafor, also questioned the CP’s authority to threaten the closure of a federal institution. He said, “Obviously, Mr. Orutugu stepped beyond his bounds by threatening to shut down the Federal Polytechnic Oko under any guise.”
Okafor added that at a time when the police should be rebuilding trust and strengthening security, the Commissioner’s focus appeared misplaced. He urged for more security presence and protection for the Oko community and insisted that those responsible for the violence must be brought to justice.
In response, the spokesperson for the Anambra State Police Command, SP Tochukwu Ikenga, denied the claims by the lawyers. He said the Commissioner only engaged with the community constructively, asking residents to assist the police by reporting criminal elements in the area.
Ikenga noted that joint security forces have increased patrols in and around Oko to prevent further violence.
“Consequently, the state police command urges residents not to be discouraged, but to remain vigilant and cooperative with the security agencies in exposing unrepentant criminals in the state,” he said.
