Police Urge Peaceful Resolution in Anglican Church Dispute

The Anambra State Police Command convened a peace meeting on Friday to address the leadership dispute at St Faith Anglican Church in Awka. Commissioner of Police Nnanna Oji Ama emphasized the need for a peaceful resolution through the church hierarchy while respecting ongoing court proceedings.

The police urged the involved parties to exercise restraint and avoid actions that could escalate tensions. The meeting acknowledged the ongoing court matters and highlighted the importance of adhering to the judicial process.

The Commissioner warned against drawing parishioners into the dispute and stated that the police would take lawful measures to maintain public peace. The leadership crisis stems from a directive by Henry Ndukuba, Primate of the Church of Nigeria, Anglican Communion, for Archbishop Alexander Ibezim to take a six-month compulsory leave.

This decision was made to facilitate an investigation into the diocese's issues, but the Awka Diocesan Board rejected it, intensifying the conflict.