A good governance advocacy organization, Youth Advocates For Peace Justice And Empowerment Network (YAPJEN) on Monday, called on the Executive Governor of Anambra State, Professor Charles Chukwuma Soludo to rise to his constitutional responsibility of protecting the lives and property of Anambrarians.
Recent cases of kidnap and killings in some parts of the state have brought fear and panic among residents of the state, especially in Awka, the state capital.
This is in addition to the activities of non-state actors occupying major forests in some local governments in the state, terrorizing the inhabitants.
Speaking with TNC correspondent in Awka, Comrade Benedict Chidobem Esq, the Director of Communication of YAPJEN decried the rising cases of reported and unreported kidnappings in the State which has dominated the media space.
He expressed concerns that criminals who engage in kidnapping are emboldened to perpetrate more heinous crimes in the state, as a result of their unabated successes.
“It is worrisome that kidnapping and other forms of criminality are fast becoming a lucrative business in the State and these incidents portend a dangerous trend if not checkmated.
“Recall the recent case of the kidnap of an Anambra State-based lawyer, Chukwubuikem Azoro, the Secretary of the Idemili Branch of the NBA, two weeks after his wedding which lead to the boycott of courts in the States by the Nigerian Bar Association Anambra State branch on the 16th of May 2024.
“Some yet-to-be-identified gunmen had reportedly abducted Azoro around the Abagana area in Njikoka Local Government Area and his whereabouts have remained unknown to date.
“Similarly, some yet-to-be-identified gunmen recently kidnapped a Catholic priest, Rev. Father Basil Gbuzuo, at Nkpor Junction, near the Commercial City Onitsha in Anambra State on the 15th of May, 2024 but thanks to goodness that he has been freed.
“These are worrying signs and we note that the people are now living in fear. We also observed that some expatriates working in the state have started closing up and leaving because of the fear of attack,” he said.
Chidobem called on Governor Soludo to rejig the security apparatus of various security agencies in the state to enable them to take drastic actions that will end incessant kidnapping in the State and secure the release of those who are held in kidnappers’ den.
“Only then, will the people begin to have faith in the ability of the Soludo administration to protect them, because as of today, there is no confidence.
“The Soludo administration must realize that the protection of the lives and property of the people should remain its first-line charge and redouble efforts towards achieving that responsibility.
“This is time for visible action and less talks,” Chidobem posited.
