New Anambra CP Visits Scene of Three Siblings’ Murder

The new Commissioner of Police in Anambra, CP Ikioye Orutugu, has assumed duty as the 35th Commissioner of Police of the Anambra State Police Command.

The posting of Orutugu, by the Police Service Commission follows the posting of the immediate past commissioner, CP Nnaghe Itam, who was redeployed to the force headquarters.

Orutugu, who officially resumed duty on Monday, immediately visited the scene where three siblings were murdered and stuffed inside a refrigerator in Nnewichi, Nnewi North Local Government Area of Anambra State, for an on-the-spot assessment.

The siblings, including a boy, aged five and two girls, aged seven and nine, respectively, were reportedly murdered in their apartment by unknown persons while their parents were out.

Following the incident, the police authorities sealed the building while investigations continued.

During the visit, the new CP met with the parents of the victims, who conducted him and other police officers around the building and into the room where the incident took place.

Addressing journalists during the visit, Orutugu said the on-the-spot assessment was also aimed at consoling the family/relatives of the victims and to reiterate the commitment of the Anambra State Police Command over the unwholesome crime.

He assured the parents of the victims that unlike other similar incidents recorded in the state, which bordered on the kidnapping of individuals and sudden disappearance of persons, the command shall unravel the circumstances surrounding such and ensure that the suspects are arrested and justice served.

He said, “It is my pleasure to address you today, as the 35th Commissioner of Police, Anambra State. In keeping with the vision to stabilise the security architecture in the state, I am on a mission to fully reclaim the public space across the State as well as maintain law and order.

“I intend to address the attitude of the people on ideology based on crime bordering on attack on unsuspecting members of the public, security personnel, abduction of persons and destruction of government infrastructure, and other sundry offences.

“We are here today on a spot assessment of the unfortunate incident of the murder of three siblings and kept in the fridge here in Nnewi. I am also here to console the family/relatives of the victims and to reiterate the commitment of the Anambra State Police Command over this unwholesome crime, unlike other similar incidents recorded in the state which bordered on kidnapping of individuals and sudden disappearance of persons.

“We shall unravel the circumstances surrounding such and ensure that the suspects are arrested and justice served. Undoubtedly, the Command has been bold in confronting these challenges and indeed recorded several successes lately in curbing some of these crimes.

“I have been briefed on how Ndi Anambra and the State Government, through the launch of Operation Udo Ga Chi, have risen to collectively and joined voices in condemning any act that threatens our national peace and has resolved to work together and discuss those issues that tear us apart, not minding our differences.

“To support this move, the Command under my watch shall take every professional step in crime prevention to enhance crime-fighting strategies through strategic deployment of our intelligence assets and robust synergy with sister security agencies, organised vigilante groups and other stakeholders.”

According to him, Anambra State is blessed with vibrant, energetic and enterprising people full of potentials. These potentials can only be fully realised in a peaceful, secure environment.

He thanked the media for its role in communicating effectively and transparently to the general public, adding that the command counts on its valuable support, devoid of sentiments, by reporting security-related incidents in the most professional and objective manner.

“I urge the good people of Anambra State to remain law-abiding and vigilant and to continue to partner and support the Police and other security agencies towards combating all forms of criminality as well as ensuring public security and safety in the State.

“For those who have been misled to take to crime, you are warned to retrace your steps as the command is poised to deal squarely with all acts of criminality without regard for status. A stitch in time, they say, saves nine,” he added.

Orutugu was born on August 3, 1966 and is from Brass Local Government Area of Bayelsa State. He joined the Nigeria Police Force on May 18, 1992 as a cadet Assistant Superintendent at the Nigeria Police Academy Annex Kaduna.

Orutugu holds a BSc in Political Science from the University of Port Harcourt, a Master’s degree in Public Administration from the University of Lagos and a PhD in Sociology of Education from the University of Port Harcourt.

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