ONITSHA IS NO LONGER SAFE ANAMBRA ASSEMBLY CRIES TO POLICE, SOLUDO

REPORTER: UCHE NDEKE

The Anambra State House of Assembly has passed a motion calling on Governor Chukwuma Soludo and the Commissioner of Police in the state to, as a matter of urgency, increase security presence in Onitsha, especially the Obodoukwu – Owerri Road axis.

This, they say, is as a result of the increasing robbery, different crimes and attacks inflicted on the residents who are now scared to move about especially from 6pm.

The sponsor of the motion, Mr. Noble Igwe representing Ogbaru Constituency II, expressed regret that so many people had been robbed in a broad day light within the area despite the presence of a security post on the said road.

Onitsha, no doubt, is the biggest commercial hub of Anambra State owing to the massive revenue it generates on daily basis resulting from the number of markets within the area.

This explains why the motion moved by Mr. Noble Igwe of Ogbaru Constituency Two for improved security in the area attracted the nod of almost all the members present during the first plenary after the inauguration of the 8th Assembly on June 12.

According to Mr. Igwe, the rampant rate at which criminals parade and rob innocent residents at will in day time without much security resistance, if not check-mated, might force the people to self help.

He noted that if the state government and the Commissioner of Police in Anambra State increased surveillance in Onitsha and environs, the situation would be nipped in the bud.

Mr. Igwe also cried out that places like Boromeo Roundabout, Onitsha Owerri road, very close to Army Check Point, were among the major areas people were robbed and their belongings dislodged on a daily basis, despite the close presence of security check points.

Supporting the motion, the member representing Nnewi South II Constituency and Minority Leader, Mr. Johnbosco Akaegbobi, observed that the issue of security had been a major challenge in the state and needed an immediate action to save the people.

The member representing Onitsha South II, Mr. Jude Umennanyelugo, said the insecurity situation was affecting not just the economy of the state but also chasing away potential investors and traders in Onitsha.

According to his counterpart, Mr. Patrick Okafor representing Onitsha North Constituency II, walking along the streets of Onitsha after 6om was tantamount to people risking their lives, a situation he said he had experienced first hand.

For the member representing Awka North Constituency, Mr. Chimezie Ikwune, who also confirmed that he had been a victim of the insecurity situation, noted that Onitsha had become a nightmare that needed urgent collaboration to address in order to protect lives and property.

Mr. Ejike Okechukwu of Anaocha Constituency II, advised security agencies to develop more intelligence in combating crime.

He also appealed to the state governor to consider the installation of Hi Tech CCTV cameras in some strategic positions to assist in curbing the menace.

Fred Ezenwa of Onitsha South One Constituency, while narrating how his son was stabbed by the hoodlums operating on the Onitsha- Owerri road recently, called for more visible security patrol in the area.

The Majority Leader of the House and member representing Ekwusigo Constituency, Mr. Ikenna Ofodeme, while supporting the motion, also notified the House of the killing of two persons at Ichi Primary School Bus stop, which had been a death trap and operational base for criminals.

The House, which was presided over by the Speaker, Mr. Somtochukwu Udeze, adjourned until June 18.

EDITED BY CHUKWUBUIKE MADU