In its bid to strengthen the enforcement of closure of its borders, Anambra State Government has deployed all its appointees and youth leaders in the state to complement efforts by the security agencies.
It is coming on the heels of allegations that security agents deployed at the state borders are endangering the lives of residents of the state, as they collect money to allow movements into the state.
The new initiative is aimed at supporting existing efforts of the Police and other agencies and not to replace it.
It also became imperative due to the porous and informal nature of the boundary points especially in local communities with little presence of formal security, according to the Secretary to the State Government, Professor Solo Chukwulobelu.
He said Vigilante groups in all communities bordering the State have also been fully activated to support nominated youths and law enforcement agencies to enforce the boundary closures while Traditional Rulers and Presidents-General of affected communities are to ensure follow up action.
“This unique step was taken to curb the spread of COVID-19 pandemic and observed a continued influx of persons into the State especially through informal boundary routes thereby exposing the State to the risk of imported community spread of the virus.
“The political appointees and youths so posted have been strictly admonished not to indulge in any kind of extortion and unwholesome conduct but are empowered to be firm in disallowing movement of unauthorized persons, goods and services.
“The State Government urges all indigenes of Anambra State to remain wherever they are in the country for the time being. The general public is also strongly advised that the State boundaries are closed and will not admit travellers into the State at this time,” Chukwulobelu said.
He further revealed that the State Government has also set up Independent monitoring teams to oversee the activities of the political appointees and youths so posted as well as the general enforcement of the border closures.
