The Anambra State chapter of the African Action Congress (AAC) has stated that the state, known as the nation’s light, is now struggling with the darkness of insecurity and fear of unknown gunmen under Prof. Charles Soludo.
The AAC State Chairperson, Chioma Grace Ifemeludike, disclosed this on Wednesday during a press conference on the state of emergency regarding security in Anambra State.
She said that in less than four weeks, the state has witnessed the abduction of seven prominent citizens, including clergymen and women, as well as ordinary residents, by kidnappers.
She noted that comments on the street suggest that organ harvesters and serial killers are also on the loose.
Ifemeludike regretted that the men of the underworld have caused mayhem, pain, and suffering to the physical, financial, and emotional well-being of the people of Anambra, noting that it has gotten so bad that people now avoid traveling or disguising themselves when they need to visit home.
She said this situation is unacceptable, and everyone must rise to challenge the faceless men who have terrorized, oppressed, kidnapped, and in many cases, murdered innocent citizens in the state.
She further stated that Governor Professor Charles Soludo is responsible for the insecurity, as he is the chief executive in the state, with the primary duty of securing lives.
“This sounds like an era of cannibalism introduced into our communities, where everyone goes about their daily lives fearfully, as if human lives no longer matter,” she said.
She said no one is safe from unscrupulous elements, both official and unofficial, masked and unmasked.
Ifemeludike described the State government’s declaration of a state of emergency on insecurity as a mere political statement or lip service due to the government’s inability to effect any significant change.
“We urge the Anambra State Governor, Professor Chukwuma Soludo, to take charge and be proactive in matters that affect the security of lives in the state, as this is the bedrock of commercial activity and development in our dear state. This menace is suffocating and almost crippling business activities in the state,” she said.
The AAC State Chairperson called on the police authorities, including the Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, and the Commissioner of Police in Anambra State, to call their officers to order, improve their welfare, and ensure that salaries and incentives are increased.
“How do we have all these roadblocks at every two poles, yet kidnappers are still operating in the state? This is possible because the police are more interested in the money they collect from commuters than in ensuring public safety. When they collect these funds, they don’t care who’s passing,” she said.
She also vowed that the AAC would use every tool available, including social media and street protests, to engage the Anambra State government and demand action to resolve the situation.
Also speaking, the party’s State Secretary, Nnaji Henry Chinonso, said that the current situation in the state is unprecedented.
He urged the governor to take charge and not leave the state to criminals.
