Following pockets of allegations that bars, restaurants and other hospitality businesses have become take off points for criminals in Anambra state, the joint team of the Anambra Police Command, Ministry of Culture and Tourism and the Restaurant and Bar Owners Association have entered into an agreement to flush out criminal elements in the area.
This move was part of the resolution raised by the three bodies aimed at also ensuring a hich free Easter Celebrations in the state.
According to the Police Pubic Relations Officer SP Tochikwu Ikenga;
“The Commissioner of Police Anambra State, CP Ikioye Orutugu fwc MNIPS PhD on Thursday, April 10, 2025, partnered with the Anambra State Ministry of Tourism to host the Anambra State Restaurant and Bar Owners Association at the Police Command Headquarters in Awka”
“The meeting focused on implementing enhanced security and safety measures to safeguard businesses, employees and customers, particularly on Club Road, Awka and other key entertainment and tourist attractions in the State”
“During his address, CP Orutugu disclosed that security assessments revealed that some bars and lounges were being used as meeting points by criminal elements”
“He urged business owners to cooperate with law enforcement agencies by maintaining vigilance and promptly reporting suspicious activities.
“The CP assured the public of increased police patrols and improved surveillance to deter crimes and to swiftly address security threats”
Speaking at the meeting the Commissioner of Culture and Tourism Hon Don Onyeji commended the Commissioner of Police for this initiative and pledged the support of his Ministry to assist the Command in this regard.
He also noted that Anambra State has a rich cultural heritage, with numerous tourist attractions such as Agulu Lake, Ogbunike Cave and Igbo Ukwu Museum, etc which showcase the State’s history, art and natural beauty.
Speaking shortly after the meeting one of the members of the Association Hon Tochikwu Ohazuluike noted that the Association is pleased with the moves by government and Police towards stamping out criminal elements out of the hospitality business adding that the body would faction out ways of identifying the bad eggs among the customers that patronize them.
“It is a welcome development for the state and we are willing to join forces with both the Anambra state government and the Police Command to stamp out such people with questionable characters in our business”
“We had already commenced the process and we shall now fine tune and re energize the system for better results “he promised.
The Association promised immediate implementation of some of the directives by the Command.
Echezona Okafor.
