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By Madu Obi
The member of House of Representative for Ogbaru Federal Constituency, Hon. Afam Ogene, has condemned in strong terms, the brutal attack on the Atani headquarters of Ogbaru Local Government Area in Anambra State by gunmen, urging Governor Chukwuma Soludo to prioritize security of lives and property in the state.
He described the incident as "utterly horrendous, mindless, and worrisome".
Recall that in the early hours of Friday, August 30, 2024, unknown gunmen launched a ferocious assault on the LGA headquarters, setting it ablaze. Buildings and vehicles within the complex were damaged and the reason for the attack was not known.
It was gathered that heavily armed assailants, who were said to have accessed the LGA headquarters from Umuzi and Amii axis of the local government area and caused mayhem.
In a statement in Awka, Ogene expressed deep concern and condemnation over what he called the senseless violence in Ogbaru local government area and called on the Anambra State government and security agencies to take immediate action to ensure the safety and security of the people.
He lamented that the recurring violent killings and destruction of property in the LGA have become a persistent nightmare, instilling morbid fears and trepidation among the residents, emphasizing the need for swift and decisive action to address the situation and restore peace to the area.
He said: "It is worrisome that despite numerous appeals to the government to address insecurity in Ogbaru, we have continued to witness avoidable incidents of violence and criminality.
I am aware that earlier this year, the traditional rulers of Ogbaru had, in a memo to Governor Soludo, lamented the siege on their people and suggested the siting of security outposts around the junctions leading into Amiyi and Ogwuaniocha communities.
Similarly, only two months ago, the Head of Local Government Administration(HLGA) in Ogbaru, Mr. Ike Alphonsus, in a similar memo to the Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, drew attention to the parlous security situation in Ogbaru.
The primary responsibility of any government is to safeguard lives and property. A democracy cannot thrive in an atmosphere of fear, anxiety, and insecurity.
We cannot allow criminality to pervade our land as if we live in an ungoverned territory. All individuals who value peace and progress must unite and condemn these faceless violent criminals who hide behind anonymity.
The current policy of leaving hapless citizens to take care of their security is clearly unworkable. While individual communities are expected to contribute their own quota in securing their environment, their overall security and well-being remains the primary purpose of government - one which the Governor Soludo administration cannot keep shying away from.
I urge Governor Soludo to take decisive action, assume leadership, and protect our people from further devastation in Ogbaruland. The time for intervention is now."
He recalled that as the federal lawmaker for the area, he had taken steps to address the issue, by moving a motion to rescue Ogwuaniocha Community in Ogbaru Federal Constituency from the jaws of violent criminal gangs.
The motion, he added, highlighted the takeover of the community by criminal gangs, resulting in the displacement of residents, untold hardship, and fear; and had at every given opportunity drawn Governor Soludo's attention to the plight of his people.
Ogene revealed that various groups, including traditional rulers, have submitted memos to Governor Soludo, requesting increased security presence in the LGA, regretting that their pleas have been ignored.
He also stated that he had personally alerted the governor about the growing insecurity and the need to address the root causes, including the Ogwuaniocha communal crisis, but his warnings have gone unheeded.
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