A civil society legal group, the League of Igbo Youth Lawyers, has publicly condemned Anambra State Commissioner of Police, CP Ikioye Orutugu, over his alleged threat to shut down the Federal Polytechnic, Oko following a brutal attack that left multiple students dead.
According to a report by Punch, the incident occurred on Thursday, June 19, when unknown gunmen stormed the Oko community in Orumba North Local Government Area, killing at least four people, suspected to be students, and injuring seven others near the polytechnic.
The lawyers allege that during CP Orutugu’s visit to the scene the next day, he made disturbing remarks in a meeting with the town’s leadership and the Student Union Government. The group claims the commissioner blamed local residents for the violence and threatened to send police reinforcements to "deal with" the community if further unrest erupted.
What raised more eyebrows was the alleged warning by the police commissioner to close down the institution if violence persisted. The League of Igbo Youth Lawyers criticized this stance, calling it “reckless, insensitive, and an attack on the right to education.”
They added that the remarks not only escalate tensions but also fail to acknowledge the government's responsibility to protect lives and property.
As of now, no arrests have been made in connection with the killings, and the identities of the attackers remain unknown. Students and residents are calling for justice and tighter security around the institution.
Meanwhile, civil groups and legal advocates are demanding an apology from the police boss and immediate investigation into his conduct and statements.
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