Anambra community moves to fight crime, declares operation know your tenants

Following a rising wave of crime, Uke community in Idemili South Council of Anambra State has declared what it called ‘operation know your tenants.’

The community said the move has become necessary since it was discovered that some of the criminal elements in the state are non-natives.

It would be recalled that the state government and police had said they have intensified the fight against criminal gangs in the state, and now carrying the fight to their hideouts across the state.

The Publicity Secretary of Uke Development Union (UDU), Mr. Ubaka Onwuanibe, in a statement, made available to newsmen in Awka, yesterday, said the community has now made it compulsory for all houses, shops and land owners to ensure they know the identity and occupation of those they rent their property out to occupy.

The statement said: “It is with every sense of responsibility that UDU Executive Council reassures of total commitment to ensuring safety and security of life and property in Ukeland.

“It is also imperative to sound a serious note of warning to every household in Ukeland to be very mindful of strangers admitted and accepted as tenants in their shops, stores, houses and compounds.

“In no distant time, format of such admittance and accommodation shall be made available to all village Chairmen and strict adherence to the guidelines is expected.

“It is pertinent to remind ourselves, again, of the need for all hands to be on deck in everything concerning security in Ukeland.”

Commenting on the recent kidnap and rescue of their son, Mr. Chukwudiebube Modu, the union’s secretary thanked their President General, Mr. Peter Onyejegbu and the traditional ruler of the community, HRH Igwe Charles Agbala, for the synergy that moved security agents to act promptly.

IN another development, the state government, yesterday, announced that it has restored peace among the Nkwelle Ezunaka community in Oyi Local Council of the state after over eight years of crisis.

The Commissioner for Local Government, Chieftaincy and Community Affairs, Mr. Collins Nwabunwanne, who brokered the peace during reconciliatory meeting with the warring factions in his office at the Government House Awka, commended members of the community for allowing peace to reign.

Nwabunwanne reminded them of the need for peaceful coexistence, insisting that he reconciled the factions for progress and stability to return to their community.