HURIWA Slams Anambra Government Over Insecurity, Calls for Urgent Reforms
The Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria (HURIWA) has expressed grave concerns over the escalating insecurity in Anambra State, following recent declarations by non-indigenes that 15 out of the state’s 21 local government areas are unsafe. HURIWA described the development as a clear indication of the failure of Governor Chukwuma Soludo’s administration in its primary responsibility to ensure the security of lives and property.
HURIWA’s National Coordinator, Comrade Emmanuel Onwubiko, noted with dismay that the increasing wave of kidnappings, armed robbery, and other violent crimes in Anambra State is undermining the constitutional mandate of government as enshrined in Section 14(2)(b) of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended). The provision states unequivocally that the “security and welfare of the people shall be the primary purpose of government.”
The reaction follows statements from a group of non-indigenes residing in Anambra, who, through their chairman, Alhaji Abubakar Sani, and secretary, Chief Adebayo Adewusi, declared vast parts of the state as no-go areas due to worsening insecurity. “Reportedly, the group particularly lamented the deteriorating situation in Onitsha, once considered a relatively safe haven, now under siege by kidnappers and other criminals. They highlighted the abduction of retired Anglican Archbishop of Nnewi Diocese, Most Rev. Dr. Godwin Okpala, who has been held captive for almost a week, as emblematic of the state’s dire security challenges.
“The group identified “no-go” areas in several local government areas, including 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), Idemili North and South LGAs (Abatete, Nkpor, Ogidi, Obosi, Oba, Ojoto), and Ekwusigo LGA (Ozubulu, Oraifite).
