Anambra Police Slam Foundation, Debunk Claim Of 14 Political Assassinations

The Anambra State Police Command has dismissed reports alleging that the state recorded 14 political assassinations between 2022 and 2024.

A recent report by the Cleen Foundation, revealed that no fewer than 14 political assassinations occurred within the period under review, citing concerns over the forthcoming elections.

The foundation’s 2025 Anambra Governorship Election Security Threat Assessment Report, further revealed that “213+ deaths linked to violence from 2022 to 2024, nine INEC facilities attacked, and 14 political assassinations were recorded, among others… is something that requires serious attention.”

In view of the forthcoming election, the foundation urged security agencies to pay attention to local government areas such as Ihiala, Onitsha North, Ogbaru, Orumba North, Nnewi South, describing them as high-risk LGAs.

However, the Anambra Police Command in a statement on Wednesday, signed by its spokesperson, Tochukwu Ikenga described the report as “false, misleading, and unfounded.”

The statement read partly: “Ordinarily, the Command would not have responded to such baseless allegations.

“However, for the sake of public confidence, relative peace, and the safety currently being enjoyed not only in Anambra State, but across the South-East region, it has become necessary to set the record straight.”

The Command clarified that while security incidents had been recorded in parts of the state, none were politically motivated.

“These incidents were not targeted at any individual, tribe, social status, or political assassinations as mischievously claimed. Rather, they were attacks perpetrated by criminal elements hiding under the guise of self-styled agitators and other non-state actors,” the statement added.

The police also dismissed suggestions that Ihiala, Ogbaru, Nnewi South, Orumba North, and Onitsha North were high-risk areas, noting that peaceful bye-elections were recently conducted there.

The Anambra Commissioner of Police, Ikioye Orutugu, reaffirmed the Command’s commitment to public safety and urged the media to avoid sensationalism capable of spreading fear.

He encouraged residents to disregard the claims and continue supporting security agencies with credible information.