15 Anambra LGAs insecure, according to resident non indigenes

By Madu Obi

Non-Indigenes resident in Anambra State have raised alarm over the increasing insecurity in the state, stating that 15 out of the 21 local governments are insecure.

The group, which spoke through its chairman, Alhaji Abubukar Sani, and secretary, Chief Adebayo Adewusi, asked the state Governor , Professor Chukwuma Soludo, to declare state of emergency in the 15 LGAs.

It lamented that even Onitsha, which hitherto was believed to be safe, has come under the attack of kidnappers and other criminals in recent time.

The group observed that the criminals do not even have respect for any individual, lamenting that for almost one week now, the retired Anglican Archbishop of Nnewi Diocese , Most Rev. Dr. Godwin Okpala, who was abducted at Ezinifite in Aguata local government area of the state, has not been released.

Communities it listed as no go areas include Ogbunka, Umunze, Ajali in Orumba area, as well as Ezinifite, Uga. Umuchu in Aguata

Other areas that have become haven for the kidnappers are Ogbe-Ukwu near Iyiowa, Okoti; Ogwuaniocha, Ossomalla, Atani, all in Ogbaru, as well as Ihiala, Mbosi, Azia, Uli, Amorka, some parts of Okija, all in Ihiala local government area.

The group said state of emergency should also be declared in the entire Nnewi South, particularly Ukpor, Osumenyi and others that have come under the attack of kidnappers and criminals.

It named Achalla, Mgbakwu and other communities of Awka North as not left out as they are prone to the activities of hoodlums, just as Awka South communities are not equally safe, with cultism thriving in the area. Other areas are Nsugbe, Nkwelle and other communities in Oyi.

The group said Fegge and Odoakpu in Onitsha South, 3-3 in Onitsha North, Abatete, Nkpor, Ogidi, Obosi, Oba, Ojoto and other communities in Idemili North and South are prone to attack of hoodlums. Ozubulu and Oraifite in Ekwusigo are also not left out.

It suggested that the way out of the security logjam is to create joint operational teams made up of the Armed Forces, Police, Civil Defence, Anambra Vigilant Group (AVG) and DSS in the affected areas.

"These agencies can chase these criminals out of the state if the state government adequately equips them and provides them with incentives such as insurance and logistics.

"If the governor wants Anambra people to come down here and enjoy this Christmas, he should do something urgently", the group said.