Media practitioners under the aegis of the League of Anambra Journalists in Abuja (LAJA) called on Gov. Chukwuma Soludo to address worsening insecurity as the state prepares for Nov. 8 governorship election.
LAJA, in a statement jointly signed by Amb. Ikenna Okonkwo and Princess Ekwi Ajide, its interim President and Secretary respectively, described the current wave of insecurity across Anambra was very deplorable and devastating.
It said even though the state claimed to have deployed resources for the purpose, Anambra still witnessed high-profile attacks, killings, forceful disappearances and ungoverned spaces.
“We are aware of efforts by the State Government to curtail insecurity issues which reigned supreme in the State in the past few years, but recent attacks and killings of individuals have been a cause for serious concern.
“Anambra used to be one of the most peaceful and secure states in Nigeria, the menace of hoodlums and other forms of miscreants was not prevalent until recently.
“However, the intervention of the current administration of Governor Chukwuma Soludo at some point offered hope.
“Activities of non-state actors have resurfaced, a situation that has again put residents on the edge. Just a few weeks ago, the son of a ranking state official of All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) was abducted and killed within the state capital.
“While many were still trying to get over this, another killing was recorded in Nri in Anaocha Local Government Area, where an All Progressives Congress (APC) Ward Chairman was reported assassinated.
“The new dimension to insecurity in the State needs to be checked and eliminated with an enhanced security strategy and implementation,” the statement said.
LAJA called on Anambra government to ensure better training and equipping of its security operatives with modern tools and welfare packages to enable them carry out their functions effectively.
“Security in this age should be more of a use of scientifically proven means, especially in the area of deploying technology alongside ensuring robust community engagements.
“This application will not only boost the security situation, but will restore citizens’ confidence as the election gets closer,” it said.
We commend the swift dismissal of security personnel who assaulted a Corps member in a gruesome manner and call on the government to put proactive machinery in place to prevent such occurrences in the future.
“We enjoin politicians and the electorate to shun all forms of violence in the build-up to the upcoming election,” he said.
