AWKA — The Governor of Anambra State, Chief Willie Obiano has addressed the state yesterday evening, on the ongoing security concerns which are only reminiscent of the days preceding the Bakassi Boys experience in Anambra state. Within the week, activities of armed gangs called “unknown gunmen” have left no fewer than about ten people dead in a most gruesome manner across the state, with properties destroyed.
In Nkpor, at least about five people were killed on Tuesday when they struck in broad daylight. Those killed included Dr. Chike Akuyili, husband of Late Prof. Dora Akuyili, former Nigeria’s Minister of Information, and DG of NASDAC. In Nnobi, Agulu, and Nnewi, Not less than five people were also killed for driving political party branded vehicles. Similarly, vehicles were variously set ablaze across different parts of the state in a most brazen display.
In his address, Governor Obiano noted that from the information made available to him, not less than ten people have died from the activities of the gunmen. “From the briefings, I have received from Security Commanders, Offices of some political parties, branded campaign vehicles and individuals occupying them have been attacked with killings and burning of vehicles observed. Other innocent road users have become victims of this menace with many losing their lives and others, their properties.
Between Sunday 26th and yesterday 28th September 2021 attacks on citizens at Oko, Agulu, Obosi, Nkpor, Nnobi, Nnewi and other places have left about ten (10) people dead including an illustrious son of this State, Dr. Chike Akunyili, husband of late Prof Dora Akunyili who was reportedly gunned down yesterday around Nkpor”, Obiano said.
The governor also urged the people of Anambra state to protect their state from being overrun by criminals under any guise whatsoever. He then placed a bounty of N20 million for anyone with useful information on how the criminals can be apprehended.
“To all citizens of Anambra State and every person living and doing business in our State, I urge you now to join forces with us to confront this common enemy. We cannot condone this savagery for any reason whatsoever. I therefore call on all our youths in the State to rise up and protect our communities. Traditional Rulers, Presidents General, Clergy men, Vigilante Groups and all leadership structures must now take responsibility and in conjunction with the Police, Military and other Law Enforcement Agencies, work to restore order immediately.
To reinforce our commitment and seriousness on this issue, I on behalf of the State Government, wish to announce a twenty million Naira (N20,000,000.00) reward for any useful information leading to the arrest of the perpetrators of these heinous attacks on our State. The people behind this must be unmasked and brought to book. I urge Citizens to report to us, anybody bearing firearm who is not a Security or Vigilante personnel, so we can deal with this monster, once and for all. Call 07039194332 or approach any Security deployment if you have any information”, Obiano said.
He is a Technical Assistant to Governor Willie Obiano’s Special Adviser on Legislative Matters, whoonce was a Special Adviser to a former Deputy Speaker of Anambra State House of Assembly. Ebuka is a second class upper division graduate of Political Science from University of Calabar, Calabar Nigeria and holds a Masters Degree in Political Science with specialization in Government and Development Studies, from Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka Nigeria
