By Chekwube Nzomiwu :
The tragic insecurity crisis in Anambra State continues to claim innocent lives, with the most recent attack costing three members of the Supersport crew their lives. These individuals, including a cameraman, a police officer, and a driver, were ambushed by gunmen at Iseke, a border town between Ihiala Local Government Area in Anambra and Orlu in Imo State. Fortunately, six other crew members were rescued by security operatives, but one person remains missing.
The Supersport crew was on their way to Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, to cover the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifying match between Nigeria’s Super Eagles and Libya. This tragic event unfolded just days before the October 11th match, which saw the Super Eagles win by a single goal.
The growing insecurity in Anambra, which has worsened under the leadership of Governor Chukwuma Soludo, has raised concerns among citizens. Just four days before the attack on the Supersport crew, police thwarted a kidnapping attempt targeting a Syrian expatriate in Ogbunka, Orumba South Local Government Area. While the foreigner narrowly escaped, two of his police guards were shot by the assailants. The Anambra State Police spokesperson, Tochukwu Ikenga, confirmed that the injured officers were stable.
This series of violent incidents is not new. Two days before the Ogbunka attack, unidentified gunmen killed two policemen in Nnewi North Local Government Area after hurling an improvised explosive device at their patrol team. In August and September, several police stations, including the Divisional Police Station Oba, Nnobi Police Station, and Nnewi Police Station, were attacked, resulting in the deaths of police officers.
The situation is not limited to remote areas. Awka, the state capital, and nearby communities have become notorious for violent clashes, especially between rival cult groups. The frequency of these attacks, some unreported, has made Anambra residents fearful for their safety.
Governor Soludo’s administration has faced criticism for failing to address the growing insecurity. Vigilante groups, initially meant to assist in maintaining order, have allegedly been infiltrated by criminals. This situation calls for a review and a return to reliance on officially recognized security agencies, such as the Nigeria Police Force, the Department of State Services (DSS), and the Nigerian military.
Governors of neighboring states like Peter Mba of Enugu and Alex Otti of Abia have made significant strides in curbing insecurity by equipping security forces with modern tools, such as surveillance cameras, communication gadgets, and drones. These efforts have encouraged both local and foreign investors to return to their states, resulting in economic growth. In contrast, Soludo’s focus appears to be on controlling financial allocations to the 21 local government areas of Anambra, rather than prioritizing security.
Despite a Supreme Court ruling granting local governments financial autonomy, Soludo introduced and signed into law a controversial bill that forces councils to remit part of their allocation to the state’s consolidated account. This move has sparked public outrage and has been seen as counterproductive, especially when insecurity is rising.
It is imperative for Governor Soludo to shift his attention back to securing the state and empowering local governments, as functional councils could play a crucial role in addressing insecurity. Decentralizing power and resources, as recommended by various experts, would allow for better rural development, economic empowerment, and job creation, thus reducing the appeal of crime.
As a renowned economist and former public servant, Soludo is in a unique position to address these challenges. He must now refocus his administration’s priorities and take decisive action to ensure the safety and security of Anambra’s residents.
