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Anambra Crime Wave Reaches Soludo’s Doorstep

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Anambra State’s escalating security crisis has reached alarming levels, as criminal elements now operate openly within Awka, the state capital. Authorities are under increasing pressure to address the situation and restore a sense of safety for residents.

Hoodlums operating in Awka and its environs have brought their activities alarmingly close to the home of Governor Chukwuma Soludo, signaling a critical escalation in Anambra State’s security crisis. The proximity of these incidents underscores the boldness of the criminal elements at play.

A string of security breaches within the last week has led residents to question the efficiency of Governor Soludo’s safety measures. The frequency of recent incidents has prompted widespread concern over the adequacy of existing protections.

In just four days, spanning Sunday to Thursday, a wave of violence has swept through the state capital, resulting in over 25 fatalities. This troubling escalation has highlighted the urgent need for strengthened security measures.

Reports of kidnappers and robbers targeting the Ifite-Awka area—a hub for students in Awka—have grown disturbingly routine, reflecting an ongoing security issue that has left the community increasingly anxious.

Recently, a communal clash between Enugwu-Ukwu and Nawfia communities left several people dead.

Read also: Anambra Residents Comply With Sit-At-Home Order

The latest incident was the brazen killing of about 16 people in Nibo, a town close to the governor’s residence in Amawbia.

The ugly developments have forced many to view the Soludo-led government as helpless in handling these killings, which have led to inaction.

The Eastern Updates Learned that during an attack on Enugwu-Ukwu residents a month ago, at least three people were killed, allegedly by Nawfia community members over a land dispute in Njikoka Local Government Area.

Both communities have reportedly been in conflict over a parcel of land.

It was reported that unidentified persons from Nawfia allegedly lured some Enugwu-Ukwu residents to the disputed land via a phone call and attacked them, resulting in three deaths and several injuries.

Enugwu-Ukwu community leaders have since urged the state government to investigate.

Ambassador Elijah Onyeagba, Nigeria’s immediate past Ambassador to Burundi and a community leader, expressed shock and grief over the brutal violence.

“Enugwu-Ukwu is currently deliberating on this. Our President-General has informed the state government, and the police authorities at Zone 13, Ukpo, Dunukofia Local Government Area, have also been notified. Urgent action is needed to prevent escalation of the crisis,” he stated.

In Nawfia, the President-General, Chief Daniel Okoye, and HRH Igwe (Amb) Sir Daniel Obelle jointly condemned the killings and denied any association with the perpetrators.

They described accusations of Nawfia indigenes’ involvement as “inciteful, prejudicial, provocative, specious, and insensitive,” intended to heighten tensions. They called on the state government for a thorough investigation.

Police authorities pledged impartiality and committed to prosecuting those involved. However, over a month later, no action has been taken, leaving grieving families without government intervention.

On Thursday, a shooting spree occurred in Awka, claiming no fewer than seven lives.

One witness, a student, reported that the shooting took place in Ifite-Awka around 9:15 a.m., and several people were killed. Ifite-Awka, predominantly populated by Nnamdi Azikiwe University students, has seen rising crime rates, which may be related to cult activities.

The Eastern Updates 

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