Security beefed up in Anambra amid APGA primaries, Imo Awka Festival

There is water-tight security in the entire Anambra State today (Saturday), following the primary election of the All Progressives Grand Alliance, APGA, ahead of the 2027 general elections.

APGA is the ruling party in Anambra State. It commands a mammoth following, and politicians say the party’s ticket for the general elections in 2027 is akin to automatic victory, hence, the state is already charged.

The primaries will be conducted with option A4 method.

Also Awka community is celebrating the grand finale of Egwu Imoka Festival, a colourful cultural festival that celebrates fertility and purification of the land for the planting season. The festival started on Monday and climaxes on Saturday.

In the past, the festival had witnessed clashes between rival groups and even deaths, making it a security concern, leading indigenes to tighten up security within the town with the aid of the Anambra State Police Command in this year’s ceremony.

As both events hold on Saturday, security operatives have taken over every part of Awka to ensure safety.

DAILY POST sighted several security officers in patrol vehicles moving around Awka town, all looking battle ready.

Meanwhile, the Anambra State Police Command has confirmed that security has been beefed up in the state, warning against violence, possession of any weapon and traffic obstruction.

Police spokesman SP Tochukwu Ikenga said the Command, in collaboration with other security agencies, has intensified security deployments across strategic locations in the state.

He said: “The Command has directed all Area Commanders, Divisional Police Officers (DPOs), and tactical commanders to personally supervise operations within their Areas of Responsibility to ensure adequate security coverage, maintenance of law and order, and protection of lives and property throughout the period.

“Also, the Commissioner of Police CP Ikioye Orutugu fwc minps PhD on behalf of other security agencies warns individuals and groups against any act capable of causing friction, apprehension, panic, or breakdown of law and order during the celebrations and political activities.”

The Command cautioned against any form of violence, intimidation or attack on persons or groups. It warned against the display or brandishing of weapons in public places or any conduct capable of inciting unrest or threatening public peace.

Security beefed up in Anambra amid APGA primaries, Imo Awka Festival