Rising Insecurity in Anambra State: 15 Local Government Areas Declared Unsafe
Rising Insecurity in Anambra State: 15 Local Government Areas Declared Unsafe
Non-indigenous residents of Anambra State have expressed deep concerns over escalating insecurity, declaring 15 out of the state's 21 local government areas (LGAs) as unsafe.Led by Alhaji Abubakar Sani and Chief Adebayo Adewusi, the group has urged Governor Chukwuma Soludo to declare a state of emergency in the affected areas to address the deteriorating security situation.
Affected Local Government Areas
The LGAs identified as insecure include:
- 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
- Awka North LGA: Achalla, Mgbakwu, and nearby communities
- Awka South LGA: Noted for thriving cult activities
- Oyi LGA: Nsugbe, Nkwelle, and nearby communities
- Onitsha North and South LGAs: Fegge, Odoakpu,
- Idemili North and South LGAs: Abatete, Nkpor, Ogidi, Obosi, Oba, Ojoto
- Ekwusigo LGA: Ozubulu, Oraifite
These areas have witnessed a surge in criminal activities, including kidnappings and attacks by unknown gunmen, leading to heightened fear among residents.
Recent Incidents Highlighting Insecurity
The abduction of retired Anglican Archbishop Most Rev. Dr. Godwin Okpala in Ezinifite, Aguata LGA, who has been held captive for nearly a week, exemplifies the severity of the situation.Such incidents have eroded public confidence in safety and security across the state.
Calls for Government Action
The non-indigenous community has called for the formation of joint security teams comprising the Armed Forces, Police, Civil Defence, Department of State Services (DSS), and the Anambra Vigilante Group (AVG).They emphasize that with adequate equipment, motivation, insurance coverage, and logistical support, these agencies can effectively combat the rising tide of criminality.
Political Reactions
Political figures have criticized the state government's handling of the security crisis.Paul Chukwuma, an All Progressives Congress (APC) gubernatorial aspirant, has accused Governor Soludo's administration of neglecting security concerns, stating that residents, particularly investors, face daily kidnappings, and farmers fear going to their farms.He urges the government to prioritize citizens' security and questions the utilization of the state's security vote.
Impact on Daily Life and Economy
The pervasive insecurity has disrupted daily life and economic activities. Farmers are abandoning their lands due to fear of abduction, investors are hesitant to engage in business ventures, and the general populace is apprehensive about traveling, especially with the festive season approaching.This climate of fear threatens to stifle economic growth and development in the region.
The escalating insecurity in Anambra State demands immediate and decisive action from the government.Implementing a state of emergency in the affected LGAs, forming joint security operations
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