Obiano Urges Concerted Efforts To End Aggression Against Security Agencies

Awka – Anambra State Governor, Chief Willie Obiano has urged all stakeholders at all levels in the society to rise and put a stop to all forms of aggression against the Police and security agencies in Anambra State.

Governor Obiano was speaking on Sunday after he received the Commissioner for Public Utilities in the State, Engineer Emeka Ezenwanne, who was abducted last week at Isuofia in Aguata Local Government Area of the State.

Obiano who condemned in its entirety, the violence that is erupting in the State and the continued targeting and killing of security forces, said the tendency portends grave danger for the peace and security his government has worked so hard to entrench in the State.

According to him, the aftermath of the Endsars protests is still fresh in the people’s minds with the obvious rise in crime rates following a lull in security activities, saying a repeat of such must not be allowed.

“I have chosen this moment to address the State since the  unfortunate incident at Isuofia on the 31st of March 2021, wherein a town hall meeting involving Prof Charles Chukwuma Soludo and youths of the town was disrupted by armed men, killing three policemen in the process.

“The gunmen also abducted the State Commissioner for Public Utilities, Hon Emeka Ezenwanne.

“Since the incident and in our usual characteristics, the State security architecture had exerted an extensive effort to ensure the safety of the Commissioner who eventually returned home in the early hours of today, 4th April 2021,” he said.

The governor revealed that one of the attackers was gunned down on the spot on the day of the incident, while five others were arrested afterwards by the security agencies, expressing delight that the state’s efforts, have proved not to be in vain.

Obiano, who announced that the abducted Commissioner is unhurt, very stable and in good physical and mental condition, maintained that no ransom was demanded and none paid for his release.

Said he; “I have also met with him and he reassured that he is ready to resume duties.

“Let me now use this opportunity to thank all the security agencies and other critical stakeholders who played one role or the other in our collective effort to free Hon Emeka. The State Government immensely appreciates you all.

“To the family of the Hon Commissioner, nuclear and extended, the Soludo family and all friends who faced the trauma of not knowing his fate these past few days, I ask that we be grateful to God for the Easter gift of his safe return.

“To the families of the slain Police officers, my heart once again, goes out to you. I share in your grief and mourn with you. While I pray for the repose of the souls of the deceased, please be assured that the State Government will not abandon you.

“As a Government, we remain committed to the safety and security of all living and doing business in the State and we will do our utmost best to ensure the safety of all.”

Obiano called on the Police, Military and other security agencies in the State to continue to do their duties exceptionally, professionally and in line with the law.

As politics and its activities intensify in the State in the months ahead, the governor urged all actors and participants to eschew violence and be mature in all dealings.

“Our State is on a consistent rise to greatness and we all have a duty to ensure it doesn’t derail as a result of political bitterness.

“I have been fully briefed by the Security agencies and I wish to reassure the public that the Police and relevant agencies are continuing investigations into the Isuofia incident and will not relent until the perpetrators are brought to book,” Obiano concluded.

 

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