SECTION 14, -(2) (B) (C)
“The security and welfare of the people shall be the primary purpose of the government; and the participation by the people in their government shall be ensured in accordance with the provisions of this constitution.”- Nigerian Constitution
Sometimes in November of last year, the media reported that atleast five persons were feared dead as unknown gunmen launched series of attacks on Ukpo in Dunukofia and Abatete in Idemili North Local Government Areas (LGAs) of Anambra state.
According to sources, the gunmen, who came in their numbers around 9am and 10am, were seen chanting solidarity songs in support of sit at home order.
It was learnt that four members of Anambra State Vigilante Operatives were killed in the attacks which also left the President General of Abatete wounded and taken to hospital in a tricycle (Keke).
Similarly, one Okada (motorcycle) rider was allegedly killed while his passenger riddled with gunshots was taken to a nearby hospital at Ukpo, where the Zone 13 of the Police headquarters, is also domiciled.
“Come and see ooo. Unknown gun attacked our community today. Our PG was gunned down but he did not die. We have taken him to the hospital, and praying for his recovery. This senseless violence has left our community shaken,” the source stated at Abatete.
“It was chaos. The attackers came out of nowhere, shooting indiscriminately. Shouting no Biafra, no freedom. We are still trying to process what happened,” another source stated at Ukpo.
It could be recalled that the fresh attacks took place few weeks after similar incidents happened in Nibo and Awka, both of Awka South LGA.
The then dastard acts left over 15 persons dead or injured.
Recently, the state has been plagued with killings and human-threatening activities.
Few days back, report filtered in that a female banker, identified simply as Ifeoma, has been murdered by suspected kidnappers in Anambra State after her family paid a ransom for her release.
The victim was reportedly abducted in Onitsha and stayed several days in captivity before her captors reached out to the family members for ransom.
A family source who craved anonymity disclosed the development to our correspondent on Tuesday, adding that an undisclosed amount of money was received by the kidnappers. Sadly, in the end, she was not released, until her corpse was found along the road.
The source said, “Her corpse was found near Ideani Junction, along the Nnobi-Alor Road in Idemili South Local Government Area. This is even though the abductors collected ransom from the family members.
“She was abducted at a location in Onitsha, but after some days, the kidnappers reached out to the family members and demanded the ransom before the unfortunate news of her death.
“They suspect that she might have recognised the kidnappers and hence they had to eliminate her to avoid being exposed. It’s so unfortunate, the family members are devastated by the news of her death.”
HURIWA is worried that Anambra State has become largely unstable and insecurity has become a commonplace. We suggest that since the existing security measures in place including the establishment of a state-wide vigilantes, have proven insufficient to bring about the defeat of these armed terrorists terrorising Anambra people and other citizens of Nigeria who live in Anambra State, there is now the need for the governments of the South-East of Nigeria to consider RE-INTRODUCING THE DREADED BAKASSI BOYS, train them, armed them, provide strict regulations with adherence to the RULE OF LAW, so these armed but regulated BAKASSI BOYS can be authorised to confront the SOUTH-EAST BASED TERROR GANGS who have no justifiable reasons to continue to kill innocent IGBO PEOPLE GOING ABOUT THEIR LEGITIMATE DUTIES.
We call on the governor of Anambra state Mr. Charles Chukwuma Soludo to consult the defunct leadership of old BAKASSI BOYS in Anambra State to provide strategic guidelines for the new BAKASSI BOYS TO ADHERE TO SO AS TO DEGRADE, DECIMATE AND LIQUIDATE THESE ARMED TERRORISTS, KIDNAPPERS, HOODLUMS unleashing violence of massive scales in all of South East of Nigeria but more especially in Anambra State. Attacks on the residents of Anambra is a well-crafted plot by enemies of Ndigbo to destroy massive infrastructural development put in place by the good people of Anambra state and we think there is a plot to destabilise South-East and unfortunately the foot soldiers doing all these are from Anambra State. WHAT IS GOVERNMENT WITHOUT SECURITY OF LIVES AND PROPERTY OF CITIZENS.
HURIWA hereby recommend that citizens look at what some scholars have stated as the duties of citizens including the obligations to:
-Reporting Crimes
Citizens are expected to report any crimes or illegal activities to the appropriate authorities, a duty that is essential for maintaining public order and safety. By promptly notifying law enforcement or relevant agencies about suspicious or unlawful actions, citizens play a crucial role in preventing crime, apprehending offenders, and safeguarding their communities. This proactive engagement helps ensure that justice is served and deters potential criminal activity, fostering a secure and orderly environment. Active citizen participation in reporting crimes not only supports the rule of law but also strengthens community trust and collaboration with law enforcement.
And -Participation in Community Development
Active participation in community and national development programs is a duty that significantly contributes to the overall progress of society. Engaging in these initiatives allows citizens to directly influence and support the growth and improvement of their communities and the nation at large. Various government initiatives, such as infrastructure projects, educational campaigns, and health programs, encourage citizens to contribute their time, skills, and resources. This collective effort not only enhances the effectiveness of development projects but also fosters a sense of shared responsibility and civic pride. By participating in these programs, citizens help drive sustainable development, social cohesion, and a higher quality of life for all.
President Tinubu should realise that the Nigeria Police has collapsed and lacks the capacity to carry out internal security. Nigeria needs state police with greater guidelines blocking abuses by governors. Nigeria’s federal police needs an effective, efficient and younger IGP. The idea of retaining a man who is above 60 as IGP because he is a political acolyte of President Tinubu as the IGP is counterproductive. We need a hardworking, young, focused, patriotic and pan Nigerian IGP.
Comrade Emmanuel Onwubiko,
National Coordinator,
HUMAN RIGHTS WRITERS ASSOCIATION OF NIGERIA (HURIWA).
JANUARY 16TH 2025.
Kidnappers Go Haywire in Anambra-HURIWA
SECTION 14, -(2) (B) (C)
“The security and welfare of the people shall be the primary purpose of the government; and the participation by the people in their government shall be ensured in accordance with the provisions of this constitution.”- Nigerian Constitution
Sometimes in November of last year, the media reported that atleast five persons were feared dead as unknown gunmen launched series of attacks on Ukpo in Dunukofia and Abatete in Idemili North Local Government Areas (LGAs) of Anambra state.
According to sources, the gunmen, who came in their numbers around 9am and 10am, were seen chanting solidarity songs in support of sit at home order.
It was learnt that four members of Anambra State Vigilante Operatives were killed in the attacks which also left the President General of Abatete wounded and taken to hospital in a tricycle (Keke).
Similarly, one Okada (motorcycle) rider was allegedly killed while his passenger riddled with gunshots was taken to a nearby hospital at Ukpo, where the Zone 13 of the Police headquarters, is also domiciled.
“Come and see ooo. Unknown gun attacked our community today. Our PG was gunned down but he did not die. We have taken him to the hospital, and praying for his recovery. This senseless violence has left our community shaken,” the source stated at Abatete.
“It was chaos. The attackers came out of nowhere, shooting indiscriminately. Shouting no Biafra, no freedom. We are still trying to process what happened,” another source stated at Ukpo.
It could be recalled that the fresh attacks took place few weeks after similar incidents happened in Nibo and Awka, both of Awka South LGA.
The then dastard acts left over 15 persons dead or injured.
Recently, the state has been plagued with killings and human-threatening activities.
Few days back, report filtered in that a female banker, identified simply as Ifeoma, has been murdered by suspected kidnappers in Anambra State after her family paid a ransom for her release.
The victim was reportedly abducted in Onitsha and stayed several days in captivity before her captors reached out to the family members for ransom.
A family source who craved anonymity disclosed the development to our correspondent on Tuesday, adding that an undisclosed amount of money was received by the kidnappers. Sadly, in the end, she was not released, until her corpse was found along the road.
The source said, “Her corpse was found near Ideani Junction, along the Nnobi-Alor Road in Idemili South Local Government Area. This is even though the abductors collected ransom from the family members.
“She was abducted at a location in Onitsha, but after some days, the kidnappers reached out to the family members and demanded the ransom before the unfortunate news of her death.
“They suspect that she might have recognised the kidnappers and hence they had to eliminate her to avoid being exposed. It’s so unfortunate, the family members are devastated by the news of her death.”
HURIWA is worried that Anambra State has become largely unstable and insecurity has become a commonplace. We suggest that since the existing security measures in place including the establishment of a state-wide vigilantes, have proven insufficient to bring about the defeat of these armed terrorists terrorising Anambra people and other citizens of Nigeria who live in Anambra State, there is now the need for the governments of the South-East of Nigeria to consider RE-INTRODUCING THE DREADED BAKASSI BOYS, train them, armed them, provide strict regulations with adherence to the RULE OF LAW, so these armed but regulated BAKASSI BOYS can be authorised to confront the SOUTH-EAST BASED TERROR GANGS who have no justifiable reasons to continue to kill innocent IGBO PEOPLE GOING ABOUT THEIR LEGITIMATE DUTIES.
We call on the governor of Anambra state Mr. Charles Chukwuma Soludo to consult the defunct leadership of old BAKASSI BOYS in Anambra State to provide strategic guidelines for the new BAKASSI BOYS TO ADHERE TO SO AS TO DEGRADE, DECIMATE AND LIQUIDATE THESE ARMED TERRORISTS, KIDNAPPERS, HOODLUMS unleashing violence of massive scales in all of South East of Nigeria but more especially in Anambra State. Attacks on the residents of Anambra is a well-crafted plot by enemies of Ndigbo to destroy massive infrastructural development put in place by the good people of Anambra state and we think there is a plot to destabilise South-East and unfortunately the foot soldiers doing all these are from Anambra State. WHAT IS GOVERNMENT WITHOUT SECURITY OF LIVES AND PROPERTY OF CITIZENS.
HURIWA hereby recommend that citizens look at what some scholars have stated as the duties of citizens including the obligations to:
-Reporting Crimes
Citizens are expected to report any crimes or illegal activities to the appropriate authorities, a duty that is essential for maintaining public order and safety. By promptly notifying law enforcement or relevant agencies about suspicious or unlawful actions, citizens play a crucial role in preventing crime, apprehending offenders, and safeguarding their communities. This proactive engagement helps ensure that justice is served and deters potential criminal activity, fostering a secure and orderly environment. Active citizen participation in reporting crimes not only supports the rule of law but also strengthens community trust and collaboration with law enforcement.
And -Participation in Community Development
Active participation in community and national development programs is a duty that significantly contributes to the overall progress of society. Engaging in these initiatives allows citizens to directly influence and support the growth and improvement of their communities and the nation at large. Various government initiatives, such as infrastructure projects, educational campaigns, and health programs, encourage citizens to contribute their time, skills, and resources. This collective effort not only enhances the effectiveness of development projects but also fosters a sense of shared responsibility and civic pride. By participating in these programs, citizens help drive sustainable development, social cohesion, and a higher quality of life for all.
President Tinubu should realise that the Nigeria Police has collapsed and lacks the capacity to carry out internal security. Nigeria needs state police with greater guidelines blocking abuses by governors. Nigeria’s federal police needs an effective, efficient and younger IGP. The idea of retaining a man who is above 60 as IGP because he is a political acolyte of President Tinubu as the IGP is counterproductive. We need a hardworking, young, focused, patriotic and pan Nigerian IGP.
Comrade Emmanuel Onwubiko,
National Coordinator,
HUMAN RIGHTS WRITERS ASSOCIATION OF NIGERIA (HURIWA).
JANUARY 16TH 2025.
