| Urges Gov Soludo to prioritize the security of the people
The Representative of Ogbaru Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, Hon. Afam Victor Ogene, has strongly denounced the brutal attack on the Atani headquarters of Ogbaru Local Government Area in Anambra State. He described the incident as “utterly horrendous, mindless, and worrisome”.
In the early hours of Friday, August 30, 2024, unknown gunmen launched a ferocious assault on the LGA headquarters, setting it ablaze. Eyewitnesses reported that around 30 heavily armed assailants, who were said to have accessed the vicinity from the Umuzu and Amiyi axis, stormed the facility with guns and dynamites. The attack resulted in the destruction of buildings and vehicles within the complex.
In a statement issued in Awka, the state capital, on Friday, Rep Afam Victor Ogene expressed deep concern and condemnation over the senseless violence in Ogbaru Local Government Area. He urged the Anambra State Government and security agencies to take immediate action to ensure the safety and security of the people.
Rep Ogene lamented that the recurring violent killings and destruction of property in the LGA have become a persistent nightmare, instilling morbid fears and trepidation among the residents. He emphasized the need for swift and decisive action to address the situation and restore peace to the affected communities.
According to Rep Afam Victor Ogene, the persistent violence and criminality in Ogbaru Local Government Area are alarming, despite repeated calls for government action. He stated, “It is worrisome that despite numerous appeals to the government to address insecurity in Ogbaru, we continue to witness avoidable incidents of violence and criminality.”
Rep Ogene revealed that various groups, including traditional rulers, have submitted memos to Governor Prof. Charles Soludo, requesting increased security presence in the LGA, but their pleas have been ignored. He emphasized that he had personally alerted the Governor about the growing insecurity and the need to address the root causes, including the Ogwuaniocha communal crisis, but his warnings have gone unheeded.
“In fact, I am aware that earlier this year, the traditional rulers of Ogbaru had, in a memo to Governor Soludo, lamented the siege on their people and suggested the siting of security outposts around the junctions leading into Amiyi and Ogwuaniocha communities.
“Similarly, only two months ago, the Head of Local Government Administration(HLGA) in Ogbaru, Mr. Ike Alphonsus, in a similar memo to the Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs drew attention to the parlous security situation in Ogbaru,” Rep Ogene said.
He stated that as a lawmaker, he has taken steps to address the issue, moving a motion titled “Urgent Need to Rescue Ogwuaniocha Community in Ogbaru Federal Constituency, Anambra From the Jaws of Violent Criminal Gangs.” The motion highlighted the takeover of the community by criminal gangs, resulting in the displacement of residents, untold hardship, and fear; and has every given opportunity drawn Governor Soludo’s attention to the plight of his people.
Rep Ogene’s statement underscores the need for immediate government action to address the security crisis in Ogbaru and protect the lives and properties of the people.
He emphasized: “The primary responsibility of any government is to safeguard lives and property. A democracy cannot thrive in an atmosphere of fear, anxiety, and insecurity. We cannot allow criminality to pervade our land as if we live in an ungoverned territory. All individuals who value peace and progress must unite and condemn these faceless violent criminals who hide behind anonymity.
“The current policy of leaving hapless citizens to take care of their security is clearly unworkable. While individual communities are expected to contribute their own quota in securing their environment, their overall security and well-being remains the primary purpose of government – one which the Governor Soludo administration cannot keep shying away from.
“I urge Governor Soludo to take decisive action, assume leadership, and protect our people from further devastation in Ogbaruland. The time for intervention is now.”