Anambra: Criminals dare Soludo, take crime to governor’s doorstep

The rising wave of insecurity in Anambra State has reached a critical point, with criminals now brazenly operating within Awka, the state’s capital.

Recent events within Awka and its environs suggest that hoodlums have brought their activities to the state governor, Prof Chukwuma Soludo’s doorstep.

With multiple incidents in the past week alone, residents are now questioning the effectiveness of Governor Soludo’s security measures.

Violence has recently spiked in the state capital. Over four days, from Sunday to Thursday, no fewer than 25 lives have been lost.

In Awka, reports of robbers and kidnappers operating in the student-dominated Ifite-Awka area have become steady.

Recently, a communal clash between Enugwu-Ukwu and Nawfia communities left several people dead.

The latest incident was the brazen killing of about 16 people in Nibo, a town close to the governor’s residence in Amawbia.

The ugly developments have forced many to view the Soludo-led government as helpless in handling these killings, which have led to inaction.

During an attack on Enugwu-Ukwu residents a month ago, at least three people were killed, allegedly by Nawfia community members over a land dispute in Njikoka Local Government Area.

Both communities have reportedly been in conflict over a parcel of land.

That unidentified persons from Nawfia allegedly lured some Enugwu-Ukwu residents to the disputed land via a phone call and attacked them, resulting in three deaths and several injuries.

Enugwu-Ukwu community leaders have since urged the state government to investigate.

Ambassador Elijah Onyeagba, Nigeria’s immediate past Ambassador to Burundi and a community leader, expressed shock and grief over the brutal violence.

“Enugwu-Ukwu is currently deliberating on this. Our President-General has informed the state government, and the police authorities at Zone 13, Ukpo, Dunukofia Local Government Area, have also been notified. Urgent action is needed to prevent escalation of the crisis,” he stated.

In Nawfia, the President-General, Chief Daniel Okoye, and HRH Igwe (Amb) Sir Daniel Obelle jointly condemned the killings and denied any association with the perpetrators.

They described accusations of Nawfia indigenes’ involvement as “inciteful, prejudicial, provocative, specious, and insensitive,” intended to heighten tensions. They called on the state government for a thorough investigation.

Police authorities pledged impartiality and committed to prosecuting those involved. However, over a month later, no action has been taken, leaving grieving families without government intervention.

On Thursday, a shooting spree occurred in Awka, claiming no fewer than seven lives, sources hinted DAILY POST.

One witness, a student, reported that the shooting took place in Ifite-Awka around 9:15 a.m., and several people were killed. Ifite-Awka, predominantly populated by Nnamdi Azikiwe University students, has seen rising crime rates, which may be related to cult activities.

That a white Toyota Venza SUV, driven by gunmen, pursued a Mercedes-Benz SUV in an apparent kidnapping attempt but was thwarted by local youths, leading to a deadly backlash.

“When they missed their target, they came back and killed the people in the area where they were obstructed,” a source said.

On Sunday, Nibo community witnessed a similar tragedy when unknown assailants killed about a dozen people.

A survivor, a staff member of the Anambra State Ministry of Information identified as Ichie Oku, recounted his escape: “They pointed a gun at me, but one of them said I was not their target. Still, he aimed at me, but his colleague pushed him, and the bullet struck the wall behind me. That’s how I survived.

“Three people with me were killed instantly. The attackers returned to shoot five others before heading to Eke Nibo, where they killed more people.”

The Nibo community’s security director and vigilante leader, Wadada, described the incident: “One of my vigilante men, Mr. Uchenna Obiekwe, an only son who is unmarried, was killed. The men came in two vehicles, a Lexus Jeep and a Sienna vehicle, both without number plates. They entered Nibo through Amawbia, passing through all the police checkpoints and the governor’s lodge, and opened fire on our people in a shop.

“Many people were injured, including the owner of the shop and his six-year-old daughter, who sustained bullet wounds to their legs. I cannot say for sure who the killers are. I cannot tell for now if they were cultists, unknown gunmen, or just armed robbers, but time will tell.”

While many suspect cultist involvement, the incident’s scale has left residents and security personnel concerned. Wadada questioned how the gunmen, in unmarked vehicles potentially with tinted windows, could have maneuvered past multiple security checkpoints carrying heavy arms without raising suspicion.

An analyst and indigene of the state, Mr Tony Okafor, while reacting to the incident, said: “The gruesome killing spree in Nibo, Anambra State, on Sunday sent shockwaves throughout the state, exposing glaring security inadequacies and raising concerns about Governor Soludo’s ability to recover in time to salvage his reelection bid. This heinous crime occurred near Governor Chukwuma Soludo’s lodge and the State Police and DSS headquarters, exposing Anambra’s porous security.

“While Governor Soludo’s security initiatives have not received a pass mark, Sunday’s incident has worsened the situation. Enhancing security measures and improving intelligence gathering through community engagement are essential.

“Addressing underlying root causes such as the scramble for keke revenue windows and land grabbing is equally crucial. We urge Governor Soludo to take personal responsibility for his people’s security and ensure justice for the perpetrators.”

Okafor presented very worrisome data about the state of security in Anambra, saying: “Data from the Nigeria Police Force reveals 127 reported cult-related violence cases in Anambra from January to September 2024, resulting in 73 deaths and 45 injuries. This alarming trend demands decisive action. The Nibo massacre requires more than explanations and condolences; it demands action.”

Another respondent, Mr Festus Eze, expressed skepticism over the government’s response to the mounting violence.

He cited cases in which authorities downplayed incidents, including the kidnapping and murder of journalists in Isseke, which went unaddressed.

Eze said: “We have completely lost hope in Soludo’s ability to take care of security in Anambra. When the news was about the kidnapping of Anambra people in the Igbariam area by Fulani herdsmen, his aides defended that there were no Fulani herdsmen in Anambra bushes. When kidnappers operated brazenly in broad daylight in Ifite, they also denied it.

“During the recent killing in Enugwu-Ukwu, the community that lost relatives called for an investigation and prosecution of those involved, but we saw nothing. When a team of journalists who were going to Uyo in Akwa Ibom State to cover the Super Eagles’ qualifying match with their Libyan counterparts lost their way and moved into Isseke, where they were kidnapped, we heard nothing from the state government.

“Three of those journalists later lost their lives, but no message of condolence was sent to that effect. Now this one has happened, and police are asking people to come forth with leads, but I think after some time, both police and government will abandon it and move on.”

A journalist, who did not want his name mentioned, told this reporter that due to criminal activities in the hinterlands of Anambra, he has stopped providing media coverage for any event happening in those areas.

Meanwhile, the police have stated that they are actively monitoring the situation.

In response to threatening videos and voice notes circulating on social media, police spokesperson SP Tochukwu Ikenga stated that the command is investigating and has increased patrols to maintain law and order.

He said: “Anambra State Police Command begins investigations on some intercepted videos and voice notes on social media threatening violence in the state.

“The Police Command is not taking those clips for granted and, saddled with the responsibility of maintaining law and order, shall live up to its mandate of ensuring that no person or group of persons is allowed to infringe on the fundamental human rights of others.

“Given the above, the police and other security forces have intensified patrols and improved security dominance and surveillance to enforce the law, maintain public order, public safety, and other support services in the state.”

Despite these assurances, criminal activities persist in Anambra, where residents feel increasingly trapped by escalating violence.

Many believe that if Governor Soludo could revive his early administration’s vigor in addressing security threats, Anambra might once again experience peace.

Soludo has, however, visited the Nibo indigenes to condole with them and assure them that those behind the act will not go unpunished.

His visit was a day after the attack, and he assured them he would come down hard on cultism in the state.