KINGSLEY EBERE
There was jubilation in Umuchu community, Aguata Local Government Area of Anambra State on Thursday, October 15, 2026, as the Divisional Police Headquarters, which was burnt down by hoodlums three years ago, was officially reopened.
The facility, which had been non-functional since it was attacked and set ablaze on January 8, 2023, has now been fully rebuilt, furnished and returned to full operation.
The reopening ceremony was performed by the Anambra State Commissioner of Police, CP Nnanna Orji Ama, PSC, MNIPS, who led senior officers of the command to Umuchu for the historic event.
You will recall that the Umuchu Police Division was first destroyed during the #EndSARS protest in 2020. It was renovated by the Umuchu Improvement Union, UIU, and upgraded to a Divisional status before it was again attacked by unknown gunmen who invaded the station at about 3am on January 8, 2023, and razed it with explosives.
Following the 2023 attack, officers and men of the Division were forced to relocate to the Aguata Area Command Headquarters in Uga, where they have been operating for the past three years, leaving Umuchu and neighboring communities without a nearby police station.
With the reopening on Thursday, Police operations have now fully returned to Umuchu.
The Umuchu Divisional Headquarters is strategic as it has operational jurisdiction over all towns in Aguata South, Aguata 1 Constituency. These are Umuchu, Achina, Akpo, Amesi, Nkpologwu and Uga. Stakeholders from all the towns trooped out in large numbers to witness the ceremony.
Community leaders described the reopening as a major relief and a boost to security in Aguata South, noting that the journey to rebuilding the station was not easy.
They expressed special appreciation to the Umuchu Improvement Union, UIU, Lagos Branch, led by Sir Ossie Nwankwu, Paparex, for taking full responsibility for the repair works. The Lagos Branch was said to have committed millions of Naira within two weeks to roof, plaster, paint, and furnish the entire Division.
The community also lauded Odimma Umuchu, led by Chief Sir Nze Chukwudi Ifediba, Ochendo, for its consistent support to security and for financing the logistics and facilitation of the reopening ceremony.
Others appreciated include Hon. Prince Dr. Chibueze Ofobuike, Ezeakunne, H.E. Godwin Ezeemo, Achinagbaraoha, Chief Osinanna Umuchu, Umuchu Ministers Forum, Engr. Obiora, Igwe Umuchu ably represented by the Palace Secretary, Chief Prof. Echezona Ifejirika, Ogbuonyaragu, as well as past and present leadership of the Umuchu Improvement Union and Residents Association, UIURA.
The community also commended the Agunechemba security outfit, the Aguata Area Command led by ACP Dike Albert, PSC, the DPO Umuchu, CSP Lateef Adeyemi, and the FOB Aguata for their roles in ensuring security and the return of the Division.
Speaking at the event, the Commissioner of Police assured the people of improved policing and urged residents to support the police with timely information and to shun crime.
Community leaders emphasized that security is everyone’s responsibility and urged all residents to cooperate with the police now that they are back.
Long live Umuchu!
Long live Aguata South!
Long live Anambra State!