…Reiterates N5m reward for whistle blowers

Anambra State Government has collaborated with the Department of State Security (DSS), Tricycle operators otherwise known as Keke drivers and other associations in the fight against terrorism.

To mark the event, participants comprised federal and State government personnel, leaders and members of Keke drivers unions, and representatives of civil society organizations  and  took to the streets.

Carrying placards, they  marched   from the State headquarters of DSS near the Awka South Local Government  Council headquarters,  Amawbia  through Eke Awka Main Market, Nkwo Amaenyi, High Tension, Awka, Aroma Junction,  Ekwueme Square, to new Government Light House.

Some of the inscriptions on the placards reads: “Unite Against Terror,” “Peace is Stronger than Violence ” “Stag Alert,” ” Let us Stand Together ” “No Room for Terrorism in Anambra ” and Report Suspicious Activities.”.

Addressing participants at the Light House, Commissioner for Information and Value Reformation, Dr. Law Mefor thanked the participants for being part of the event to fight terror and terrorism, pointing out that the government needs a conductive environment to continue providing more democracy dividends to the citizens.

Mefor noted that the governor is pumping huge sums of money into protection of lives and property of the residents and indigenes in order  to have an enabling environment and put more money in other sectors to make the State liveable and prosperous.

He condemned those who claim to liberate Ndigbo by killing, kidnapping and terrorising the populace . “Whoever is killing us and calling themselves freedom fighters are not fighting for us.”.

The Commissione reiterated the government’s commitment  to reward any whistle blower who exposes any form of crime in the State with the sum of N5 million.

Corroborating him, the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor of the State, Hon. Christian Aburine hailed the organizers of the march, observing that all hands must be on deck to save the society.

While hailing President Bola Ahmed and the security agencies as well as Governor  Chukwuma Soludo for pro-active measures to prevent and combat crimes of different colourations, Aburine pointed out those who have been maiming,  killing,and  kidnapping should  not be allowed to continue with the dastardly acts.

In his remark, the Coordinator of Anambra Keke Drivers Forum (AKDF), Comrade Osita Obi said there is no family or community that does not know who the criminals among them are, urging them to assist curb crimes by exposing them.

Obi pointed out that if necessary  and timely information is provided and the families and communities are rid of the criminals, there will be a safe and secure environment.

In his contribution , a state government-controlled security chief, Chinedu Nwokoye (aja Okpompi) said the sensitization and encouragement  of the residents and indigenes to “see something, and say something” is in line with Governor Soludo’s drive of sustaining the  rescue mission of the state from the hands  of the criminals.

He warned his lieutenants to obey the rules of engagement  in their fight against crime, stressing that anybody that is found wanting in the performance of his duty will face the music.

Also speaking, the Chairman of Keke Drivers in Anambra State, Collins Ozojiofor hinted that jeme operators are key in the fight against  terrorism, pledging support of his members to rid the society of forms of  crimes.

Contributing, the Chairperson of the Association of Heads of Federal Establishments (AHFE) in Anambra State, Dr. Blessing Ogbonnaya said the road walk to sensitize the public to unite against terror should be dedicated to the young people who she observed are not doing well.

Ogbonna  noted that “we need to raise our children for a safer and more secured environment,” describing those who are drug peddlers and users as terrorists.