Security Of Lives & Property In Anambra State, Our Priority – Soludo Says

CHRISTIAN ABURIME

Anambra State Governor, Professor Chukwuma Charles Soludo, CFR, has noted with concern, the continued expression of anger and disgust by well-meaning individuals and groups over the recent unfortunate incidents in the state, particularly the senseless murder of Mrs. Harira Jibril and her four children, by unknown gunmen.

Professor Soludo noted in particular, the patriotic condemnation of the gruesome act by Nobel laureate, Prof Wole Soyinka and Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF), as well as their demands that the perpetrators of the heinous act be fished out and brought to justice.

The governor wishes to assure Nigerians, irrespective of their religion and ethnic nationalities living and engaging in lawful transactions/business in Anambra of their safety, while the government does all within the ambits of the law to apprehend and deal with the criminals.

Governor Soludo has, without mincing words, described the May 20 killing of Mrs. Jibril and her four children by unidentified assailants as “barbaric and unacceptable” and has vowed to fish out the perpetrators and ensure they are dealt with according to law. There is no going back on that.

The Government of Anambra State under Prof Soludo, said that it cannot shirk or relent on its constitutional responsibility of securing life and property of the citizens and residents.

The Governor said that some proactive actions are already being taken to allay the fears of the residents, assure them of their protection and send clear messages to the hoodlums in the state that their days are numbered.

To this effect, the governor has reached out to and condoled with the family of the late Mrs. Harira Jibril. He has also taken some security measures to ensure that there are no hiding places for criminals in the state.

Part of this efforts was his Wednesday May 25, 2022 broadcast to the people of Anambra State, in which he listed steps by his administration to restore peace and order in the state.

Among the measures is the release of dedicated telephone lines for residents to call to report any criminality or suspicious conducts. He has also placed a 6pm to 6am curfew, from Thursday, May 26, on motorcycles (okada), tricycles (keke), and shuttle buses in Aguata, Ihiala, Ekwusigo, Nnewi North, Nnewi South, Ogbaru, Orumba North and Orumba South Local Government areas until further notice.

Governor Soludo insists that no part of Anambra State (house, bush or forest) shall be used as camps for criminals. Anyone with a gun in a camp is considered a criminal in Anambra State, and the government and people will work with security agencies to flush them out.

He maintained that the State Government shall pursuant to its powers under the Land Use Act revoke and acquire any land found to be harbouring these criminals, for public purpose.

Henceforth, every community is required to provide information on any part of their land occupied by these criminals as camps. If the community fails to do so, the government will take over such land.

He added that any buildings found to be harbouring kidnappers and murderers in the State will, as provided by Criminal Code (Amendment No.3) Law 2013, be forfeited to the Government.

To that extent, all landlords have been directed to proceed on “Operation Know Your Tenant” by keeping appropriate records of their tenants and report anyone suspected of being involved in criminal activities.

All hotels have been directed to obtain the means of identification of their guests, keep an inventory of all guests and immediately report any suspicious persons or group of persons checking into or converging in their facilities.

Above all, various ranges of bounties have been placed on criminals in the state. These are some of the sincere measures to ensure that peace returns in the state.

The steps are already yielding satisfactory results with more successes anticipated. The governor assured of uprooting any form of criminality in the states. He encourages all to go about their lawful duties, assured that their security is the number one priority of the government.