The Government of Anambra State has described today’s disturbances in the Nkpor rea of the state as the result of “attempts by some hoodlums to hijack a peaceful demonstration by some youths in Nkpor, Idemili Local Government Area, to mark the Democracy Day earlier this morning.”

The State Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Ogbuefi Tony Nnachetta, said in a statement, a copy of which was made available to News Express: “These elements infiltrated the demonstration and unleashed a wave of violent attacks on the police, burning down a patrol van and sowed panic among the populace. This untoward tendency runs against the culture of security and peaceful co-existence of all citizens that we have established in our beloved state in the past two years.

“The Government of Anambra State shall not allow some unscrupulous elements to undermine our collective achievement as the most peaceful state in Nigeria and slow down our steady march to progress and prosperity. We therefore warn people who are planning to foment trouble or hide under the guise of peaceful demonstration to disturb the peace to desist from such acts with immediate effect as that will not be tolerated.

“Consequently, the law enforcement agents have been directed to maintain the peace in a manner that is expected of a professional police force in a democracy without the application of excessive force that might lead to avoidable casualties.

“Ndi Anambra are advised to go about their lawful businesses peacefully as the law enforcement agents have assured of safety and protection for all.

“The Government of Anambra State deeply regrets the loss of lives and property that resulted from the exchange of gunfire between the hoodlums and the police earlier today and sincerely condoles with the families of victims.”

•Photo shows Governor Obiano.