…Commits to restoring order, security immediately
Following the spate of killing of security operatives in the state in recent time, the Governor of Anambra State, Willie Obiano has directed all security agencies in the State, the Vigilante Services, all task forces and every structure in the State security infrastructure to rise in defence of the state.
Governor Obiano who issued the directives in a statewide broadcast on Sunday also called on all youths in Anambra State, all communities, all market task forces and indeed every outfit in this State to duty even as he equally called all traditional rulers, Presidents General, community leaders as well as every stakeholder in Anambra to rise to protect the State.
He recalled that within the past week or so, the state had witnessed what obviously was a planned and targeted attack on Security personnel and facilities in the State by armed hoodlums.
He said, “So far, Police Officers and Navy personnel on official duties at strategic checkpoints in various locations in the State were sporadically attacked, killed and their firearms taken away. Also, prisons and police personnel conveying an inmate to court were equally attacked and killed. This morning, a Police outpost was attacked unsuccessfully as joint Police, vigilante and Community efforts repelled the attackers.
“Anambra State Government categorically condemns these attacks on our security personnel and is doing everything possible to apprehend the perpetrators and bring them to justice. Since these attacks commenced, I have personally coordinated security Commanders in the State with a joint effort to halt this mayhem and by God’s grace, we will surely succeed. The State Security Council has met twice and I summoned another emergency meeting this afternoon hence my address.
“Let me emphatically state that any attacks on security personnel in Anambra is a direct attack on the State itself and will be resisted with our greatest might. Those who attack us are obviously intent on distorting the peace and security we have enjoyed in Anambra State in the past seven years and we will not allow that.
“We have received massive Police, Army, Navy and DSS deployment since yesterday and they have joined their teams on ground to enforce security. I have therefore directed all security agencies in the State, the Vigilante Services, all task forces and every structure in the State security infrastructure to rise in defence of our dear state.”
The Governor equally called on everybody irrespective of affiliations to come together and support government and security agencies to fight the common enemy adding that “those who seek to destroy what we have laboured to build must not be tolerated in any manner.”
While asking the public to help with information and intelligence to the State to nip this situation in the bud, Governor Obiano maintained that “Going forward, extensive security activities will be obvious and by God’s grace, we shall overcome.”
He continued, “Fitted Tinted glasses on vehicles as well as covered plate numbers will no longer be allowed on all roads within the State. Security agencies will be conducting special and strategic operations aimed at neutralising the emerging threats to our collective safety.
“I therefore ask for the understanding of the public as this goes on and assure you that all law abiding citizens have nothing to worry about.”
While sympathizing with the security agencies and families of those killed in those recent attacks, he urged all those involved in ongoing security efforts not to relent noting that “the Police, military and all security agencies and outfits in the State are urged to step out in full boldness to reclaim the public space, dominate the streets, confront criminals when identified and urgently restore order and safety to Anambra State!”
Photo: Governor Willie Obiano of Anambra State in a statewide broadcast on Sunday after an emergency State Security Council meeting at the Government House, Awka.
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