Group seeks urgent reforms, end to escalating insecurity in Anambra

• Police probe murder of UNIZIK lecturer
• Cleric calls for release of abducted Bishop

There is concern over the escalating insecurity in Anambra State, following recent declaration by non-indigenes that 15 out of the state’s 21 Local Councils areas are unsafe.

A group of non-indigenes residing in Anambra had through their chairman, Alhaji Abubakar Sani, and secretary, Chief Adebayo Adewusi, declared vast parts of the state as no-go areas due to worsening insecurity.

The group lamented the deteriorating situation in Onitsha, once considered a relatively safe haven, now under siege by kidnappers and other criminals.

They highlighted the abduction of retired Anglican Archbishop of Nnewi Diocese, Most Rev. Dr Godwin Okpala, who has been held captive for almost a week, as emblematic of the state’s dire security challenges.

The group identified “no-go” areas in several local government areas, including Orumba Area (Ogbunka, Umunze, Ajali), Aguata LGA (Ezinifite, Uga, Umuchu), Ogbaru LGA (Ogbe-Ukwu near Iyiowa, Okoti, Ogwuaniocha, Ossomalla, Atani), Ihiala LGA (Ihiala town, Mbosi, Azia, Uli, Amorka, parts of Okija), Nnewi South LGA (Ukpor, Osumenyi, and surrounding areas), Idemili North and South LGAs (Abatete, Nkpor, Ogidi, Obosi, Oba, Ojoto), and Ekwusigo LGA (Ozubulu, Oraifite).

The group called for joint security operations, involving the Armed Forces, Police, Civil Defence, Department of State Services (DSS), and the Anambra Vigilante Group (AVG), reflecting the desperation of residents seeking safety and stability.

Reacting, the Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria (HURIWA), described the development as a clear indication of the failure of Governor Chukwuma Soludo’s administration in its primary responsibility to ensure the security of lives and property.

HURIWA’s National Coordinator, Comrade Emmanuel Onwubiko, noted with dismay that the increasing wave of kidnappings, armed robbery, and other violent crimes in Anambra State is undermining the constitutional mandate of government as enshrined in Section 14(2)(b) of the 1999 Constitution of Nigeria (as altered).

The provision states unequivocally that the “security and welfare of the people shall be the primary purpose of government.”

MEANWHILE, the Archbishop, Ecclesiastical Province of the Niger and Bishop, Diocese of Awka, His Grace, Most Rev’d Alexander Chibuzu Ibezim, has called for release of Bishop Godwin Izundu Okpala who was abducted with his driver about eight days ago in Anambra State.

Ibezim made the passionate appeal at the Cathedral Church of St Faith, Awka, yesterday, during the 2024 Advent Priestly ordination of nine candidates.

He recalled that rtd Bishop Okpala, was elected first Bishop of Nnewi on December 2, 1995, and from 2018, he served as the Archbishop of the Niger Province and retired few months ago.
He, however, disappeared with his driver eight days ago on their way from a visit to a neighbouring town in the state, lamenting that their where about remains unknown.

Ibezi prayed God Almighty to touch the heart of the Bishop,’s captors, adding, “The Anglican church and Nnewi community have resorted to prayers for his release together with the driver.”

ALSO, the Police in Anambra State on Tuesday began investigation into the tragic murder of a lecturer in the Nnamdi Azikiwe University (UNIZIK) in Awka, Dr Fabian Osita.

Until his death, he was a staff of the Business Administration department of the school.

Osita was killed at about 7:30p.m. on Monday, December 16, 2024, near the high-tension area of Aroma in Awka, while driving home from work.

His assailants also took away his vehicle.

It was reported that the assailants blocked his vehicle, apparently to steal it but he resisted them, provoking them to shoot him on the head and he died before help could come.

Spokesperson for Anambra State Police Command, Tochukwu Ikenga, who confirmed the killing, stated that an investigation has been launched to track down the killers.

Ikenga who expressed his condolences to Dr. Osita’s family, particularly to the management of UNIZIK, urged eyewitnesses or members of the public with information to come forward to assist the investigation.

He said: “The Anambra State Police Command has initiated an investigation into the murder of Mr. Fabian Osita. Reports indicate that Osita, a staff of Nnamdi Azikiwe University, was shot at Aroma Junction on December 16, 2024 around 10:10 pm.

“The assailants also made off with his 2006 model, ash-coloured Corolla, bearing an Enugu plate number. In this regard, the Command extends its condolences to his family and friends, particularly the Management of Nnamdi Azikiwe University, and urges anyone with relevant information to come forward.

“We also encourage the public to report any sightings of the vehicle or any pertinent information to the nearest police station or to call the command control room at 07039194332 or the PPRO at 08039334002. Further updates will be communicated as they become available.”

The ugly incident threw the entire UNIZIK in a panic mood on Tuesday.

HURIWA, however, criticised Governor Soludo’s administration for its inability to address these security challenges effectively, stressing that it is disheartening that while the government touts its achievements in physical infrastructure, the fundamental duty of safeguarding lives and property is being flagrantly neglected.

The group argued that the progress made in areas such as road construction and other infrastructural improvements pales into insignificance if citizens cannot live and move freely without fear of attack.

“Governance is fundamentally about protecting lives. Any government that fails in this regard has failed completely,” they said.

The association further criticised the apparent lack of strategic coordination among the state’s security apparatus and the inadequate support provided to local vigilante groups, which are often the first line of defence in rural communities.

HURIWA outlined several urgent steps for the Anambra State Government to take in addressing the worsening security situation.

These include establishing a robust joint task force comprising the Nigerian Army, Police, Civil Defence, DSS, and Anambra Vigilante Group.

“This task force must be adequately equipped, motivated, and given clear operational mandates to dismantle criminal syndicates across the state.

“Providing extensive training, modern equipment, and insurance coverage for community vigilante groups is also necessary, as their grassroots presence is critical for intelligence gathering and rapid response to security threats,” HURIWA suggested.

The association recommended investing in state-of-the-art surveillance technology, including drones and CCTV cameras, to monitor high-risk areas and provide real-time data to security agencies.

HURIWA called for public-private partnerships to fund security initiatives, emphasising that the private sector has a vested interest in ensuring a safe environment for commerce and investment.