Anambra State Security Structures: Addressing Insecurity and Restoring Peace
For several years, Anambra State has been grappling with significant insecurity, a challenge that has been prevalent across the South East. This has resulted in the loss of numerous lives, with criminal activities such as kidnapping, targeted assassinations by unknown gunmen, and various forms of extortion, torture, and property dispossession becoming commonplace.
The state’s economy, which has traditionally been anchored in tourism, has suffered severely. Both investors and residents alike have been deterred by the rising levels of insecurity, leading to diminished economic activity. The resultant fear among the populace is not only exacerbating their daily challenges but is also causing widespread hunger and a sense of hopelessness. With little assurance of a safer future, the situation in Anambra continues to deteriorate.
In his recent visit to Enugu, President Tinubu made an insightful observation, praising the commendable security strides of Governors Mbah of Enugu State and Otti of Abia State. These governors, within a mere 2-3 months of taking office, were able to stamp out the ‘sit-at-home’ phenomenon and create an enabling environment for investors by providing robust security. This success story has had a positive ripple effect, fostering economic activity and instilling confidence among residents.
Regrettably, Governor Chukwuma Soludo of Anambra State, who promised to eliminate the sit-at-home order and combat criminality within his first few months in office, has yet to achieve tangible results. His administration has faced significant challenges, and insecurity has worsened under his leadership. The Christmas season of 2024, for instance, witnessed an alarming surge in kidnappings and other criminal activities, a sharp contrast to the relative calm of previous years. This has further instilled fear in the people, leading many to reconsider traveling home during the upcoming festive seasons.
From the foregoing, it's very clear that Governor Soludo's campaign promise to make Anambra Dubai was just one of those deceits our people face from insincere leaders who play on their intelligence. Governor Soludo has not taken into consideration the security and welfare of the people of Anambra State which should be the primary responsibility of any government. Otherwise, our land cannot be turned into a den of criminals with no response from the state government.
The facts and figures of what is going on in the South East according the latest CLO report within 2015 to 2025 is heavily alarming.
The CLO report details severe abuses in Eastern Nigeria (2015–2024) where even State actors, under the guise of fighting “IPOB/ESN/Biafra Terrorism,” killed over 32,300 civilians, detained and tortured thousands, destroyed properties worth ₦450 billion, and extorted over ₦3 trillion. Criminal gangs killed 14,500 people, abducted 65,000 (demanding ₦550 billion in ransoms), and caused ₦60 billion in property damages. Security forces operated with impunity, engaging in extortion, discrimination, and mislabeling civilians as terrorists.
Given the current state of affairs, it is crucial to outline a comprehensive strategy for eradicating criminality and restoring security in Anambra State. With the right opportunities, we believe that it is possible to significantly reduce insecurity within a short time frame.
Below is a proposed framework that could be implemented within three months to address these pressing concerns in some cases.
@Enwagboso@alexottiofr In as much as there may be substance in your complain, your delivery is confusing and all over the place. After reading this, it seems you are on a vendetta.
@duso4me@SantaChidi@ahanaelroi Is this figure for a particular year or period?
Is this the number of people that died between Niger and Libya or just in the Mediterranean Sea?.