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Insecurity in Anambra: A Call for Collective Action Rather Than Panic
By Christian ABURIME
As long as society remains imperfect and imperfect humans inhabit society, crime will never cease to exist, but it can be reduced. Thus, threats to the security of lives and property are a recurring global phenomenon, no matter how advanced societies are. The recent incidents of crime, particularly kidnapping, in Anambra State have understandably raised concerns among citizens and sparked heated discussions about public safety. While these concerns merit attention, it is crucial to approach the security discourse with objectivity and a balanced perspective that acknowledges both challenges and progress.
It would be recalled that there was a time that fiendish criminals notoriously tagged Unknown Gun Men held sway in Anambra State. They unleashed their malevolence at will, robbing, killing, and terrorising Ndi Anambra with brazen impunity across precincts of the state. Then, it was the first, most urgent challenge that Governor Chukwuma Charles Soludo’s new government had to confront, and it did so decisively with the cooperation of our gallant security agencies. The so-called Unknown Gun Men beat a retreat, violent crimes were drastically reduced, and Ndi Anambra breathed a sigh of relief.
With the rising costs of living, many people were and are still under pressure of survival. Hence, some may have taken to crimes like kidnapping as the fastest routes to making money. But contrary to some alarmist narratives, recent Crime Experience and Security Perception Survey (CESPS) data from the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) presents a more nuanced picture. According to the NBS report, the Southeast region, which includes Anambra State, actually recorded the lowest crime rates among all regions in Nigeria in 2024. This statistical evidence suggests that while security challenges exist, they are neither unique to Anambra nor as severe as sometimes portrayed by critics in public discourse.
Meanwhile, the state government has demonstrated commitment to addressing security concerns through consistent support to law enforcement agencies. From providing logistics to ensuring adequate funding, these efforts reflect an understanding that security infrastructure requires sustained investment.
It will also be recalled few weeks ago that Governor Soludo made profound pronouncements on the readiness of the State government to deal decisively with criminals with the new security apparatus in place. This is also inspite of the two months amnesty given to the criminals to surrender themselves to the state government for proper rehabilitation or face devastating consequences
However, the government’s role, while crucial, represents only one piece of a complex puzzle.
Security, by its nature, universally demands a collaborative approach. The most effective security systems worldwide rely on active citizen participation, intelligence sharing, and community engagement. When citizens withhold information or choose political criticism over constructive dialogue, they inadvertently weaken the security architecture they seek to strengthen.
Indeed, critics of the current security situation raise valid points that deserve attention. However, sometimes, the tendency to politicise security challenges or exaggerate incidents for ulterior motives serves no one’s interests. Such approaches only create unnecessary panic and potentially hamper ongoing security operations. What Anambra needs now is a unified approach where government efforts are complemented by citizen cooperation. This means regular intelligence sharing between communities and security agencies, constructive dialogue between critics and government officials, community-level security awareness and vigilance, and reduced politicisation of security issues.
The path forward thus requires acknowledging that security threats exist while avoiding overamplification of these challenges. It demands recognition of government efforts while pushing for continued improvement. Most importantly, it calls for understanding that security is a shared responsibility that transcends political affiliations. It requires the active participation of all stakeholders, working together with a shared commitment to public safety. While the government maintains its leadership role in security matters, citizens must step up to play their part in this crucial endeavour.
This is wishing Ndi Anambra a safer New Year.
Aburime is the Press Secretary to Governor Soludo
Anambra State has described as untrue, story making the rounds on media that some structures at the new government house collapsed on Thursday following rainstorm.
A statement signed by Christian Aburime, Chief Press Secretary to Governor Chukwuma Soludo on Saturday, said the report was false and malicious, saying no structure within the new government house collapsed.
The statement said what was affected was a portion of the barricade barriers constructed outside the government house perimeter fence and attributed the incident to heavy wind that affected many structures across the state including privately owned properties.
The statement reads- “The attention of the Anambra State Government has been drawn to misleading and mischievous reports by a few sections of the media suggesting that “a structure in the new Government House” collapsed due to substandard quality during the heavy rainstorm that occurred on Thursday evening, 9th April, 2026.
“For the avoidance of doubt and to set the records straight, we wish to state categorically that no structure within the Anambra State Government House collapsed. What was affected were a few partitions of the barricade barriers erected outside the Government House, approximately 20 metres away from the perimeter fence.
“The unfortunate incident was as a result of heavy wind and thunderstorms that wreaked havoc across several parts of the state that evening, which also affected property in private homes.
“Meanwhile, the Anambra Capital Territory Development Authority (ACTDA) has already mobilised to the site. Work is ongoing to fully rebuild the damaged sections of the barrier and to introduce additional engineering measures, including the creation of ample space to allow for free flow of heavy wind, in order to prevent future occurrences.
“The Anambra State Government condemns the circulation of fake news on this matter as a deliberate attempt by a few misguided elements to mislead Ndi Anambra and politicise a natural weather event which is not exclusive to Anambra State.
“We urge the general public to disregard the fake news and continue to support the progressive agenda of Mr Governor.”
Photo caption: (L-R) Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Mahmud Adam Kambari; and the Director General, Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet), Professor Charles Anosike, at the NiMet headquarters in Abuja on Thursday.
Director General/CEO of the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet), Prof. Charles Anosike on Thursday, played host to the Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Mahmud Adam Kambari, who was in his office at the agency’s Abuja headquarters.
The visit is part of ongoing familiarization tour by Kambari, of the agencies under the Ministry and is aimed at strengthening institutional alignment, enhancing collaboration, and reviewing operational priorities within Nigeria’s aviation sector.
During the engagement, Prof. Charles Anosike presented an overview of the Agency’s mandate, technical capabilities, and key initiatives.
He highlighted the strategic importance of NiMet’s mandate within the aviation industry and beyond, including various publications generated by the Agency such as the Aeronautical Meteorological Bulletin, the Seasonal Climate Prediction (SCP) and others in supporting air navigation, national planning, disaster risk reduction, and climate resilience.
He noted that meteorological services have evolved beyond traditional observation, monitoring and forecasting to becoming critical tools for national security, economic stability, food security, and sustainable development.
“Accurate and timely weather and climate information plays a vital role in safeguarding lives, livelihoods and property across multiple sectors,” Anosike noted.
He also outlined notable milestones, including the attainment of ISO certifications, which underscore NiMet’s adherence to international standards in service delivery.
Additionally, he highlighted the Agency’s growing partnerships with key national institutions, as well as international partners, aimed at strengthening capacity, improving services and enhancing national resilience.
In his remarks, Kambari commended NiMet for its strategic contributions to aviation safety and national development. He stressed the importance of collaboration, capacity building, and alignment with national aviation objectives.
“Strong institutional synergy is essential for achieving the Ministry’s mandate,” The Permanent Secretary emphasized.
He further underscored the need to prioritise staff welfare, describing a motivated and well-supported workforce as fundamental to effective service delivery.
He reaffirmed the Ministry’s commitment to supporting NiMet in strengthening operational capacity, enhancing workforce development, and sustaining high-quality service delivery.
The Permanent Secretary was accompanied by directors and senior officials of the Ministry.
The visit aligns with the broader vision of the Honourable Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, to promote synergy, innovation, and efficiency across agencies under the Ministry.
By Bonaventure Phillips Melah
Photo News: Ongoing conversation organized by the Goodluck Jonathan Foundation (GJF) on Democracy and Economic Growth Nexus Report Launch at Transcorps Hilton Abuja. Among dignitaries include ex-President, Dr. Goodluck Jonathan, SGF George Akume, Minister of state Budget Doris Uzoka Anita, Mr. Peter Obi, Dr. Mathew Ayibakuro, Dr. Sam Amadi (represented), Majeed Dahiru and others. The event was declared open by GJF Executive Director, Ann Iyonu. Details loading.
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