Group decries rising kidnapping in Anambra

A group, Anambra Youth Vanguard, has decried the spate of killing, kidnapping and cultism in different Anambra communities.

It also condemned the murder of the President-General of Obosi community, Mr Ike Okolo, and nine others by suspected cultists on January 2 and 3.

While calling for the overhauling of the state anti-kidnapping squad and other security agencies, in a statement by its Chairman, Dr Nnamdi Onaya, on Friday, it lamented that over 90 persons were kidnapped in Anambra between October and December 2022.

Onaya, a legal practitioner, lamented that some of the kidnappings resulted in the outright murder of the victims, while others who were lucky paid huge amounts of money as ransom.

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He said, “The state has been under siege by criminal elements and it appears that the security operatives are helpless in confronting these criminals. From the investigation we conducted in the state, the entire Anambra South and Anambra Central might have been taken over by criminal elements. We stoutly condemn the brutal murder of the Obosi PG and nine others on January 2 and 3, 2023.”

He further explained that criminal gangs operated in Umeoji, Idemili North Local Government Area; Oba-Mili John in Ojoto, Nkpor Old Road, Nnobi-Oraukwu, Ezinfinite-Uga, Oraukwu-Ekwulobia, Oraukwu-Uga, and Obosi.

Onaya added, “The other criminal gangs are operating in other parts of the state, the security agents in the state are not doing enough like their counterparts in neighbouring states, who have had breakthroughs in the fight against kidnapping and other criminal activities.

“The police headquarters in the Ihiala Local Government Area, just a few days ago, was razed down by criminals without adequate response from security operatives.

“The Anambra State Commissioner of Police, Echeng Echeng, should reinvigorate the fight against criminals in the state, especially kidnappers, and change from a defensive crime-fighting method to an offensive strategy.”

When contacted for reactions, the state police spokesman, DSP Tochukwu Ikenga, declined comments as he did not respond to calls and messages put across to him in that direction.