Gov. Obiano decries killings in Anambra, offers N20m reward for information on killers
By Nnamdi Okosieme
Anambra State Governor, Willie Obiano, has decried the killings in Anambra State in the last few days.
The latest in the orgy of killings, which has left 10 people dead, came on Monday with the assassination of Dr. Chike Akunyili, husband of later former Director General of the National Agency for Food, Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC), Prof Dora Akunyili by yet to be identified individuals.
Governor Obiano in an Address to Anambra residents on Wednesday, deplored the killings, which have thrown the state into confusion. The distraught Governor said:
“It is on a very sad note that I address the State today to condemn in very strong terms, the violence that has been witnessed in Anambra in the past few days.
“Since last weekend, some armed persons have unleashed terror with sporadic attacks on innocent citizens in various parts of the state. From the briefings I have received from Security Commanders, Offices of some political parties, branded campaign vehicles and individuals occupying them have been attacked with killings and burning of vehicles observed. Other innocent road users have become victims of this menace with many losing their lives and others, their properties.
“Between Sunday 26th and yesterday 28th September, 2021 attacks on citizens at Oko, Agulu, Obosi, Nkpor, Nnobi, Nnewi and other places have left about ten (10) people dead including an illustrious son of this State, Dr Chike Akunyili, husband of late Prof Dora Akunyili who was reportedly gunned down yesterday around Nkpor. These are our own people dying every day and for what reason?”
Noting that the attacks and accompanying deaths cannot be justified and must be stopped, the governor said:
“I have therefore conducted an extensive security meeting and have directed all Security Agencies to step up and confront this monster ravaging our land. I charge everyone involved in the security architecture of Anambra State to take very seriously, this threat to our livelihood and boldly rise to confront same. Everything that needs to be done will be done and no stone will be left unturned in this effort. My directive to this effect is clear and I urge every security personnel on duty in Anambra State to do his utmost best to secure our people”, the governor said.
The Governor who urged Anambra indigenes and every person living and doing business in the state to join forces with his government to confront the common enemy.
Stating that his administration will not condone the unfolding savagery, he called on youths in the state to rise up and protect their communities.
“Traditional Rulers, Presidents General, Clergy men, Vigilante Groups and all leadership structures must now take responsibility and in conjunction with the Police, Military and other Law Enforcement Agencies, work to restore order immediately”, he said.
He stated that as a measure of the commitment and seriousness of the government on the issue, it was offering a reward of twenty million Naira (N20,000,000.00) reward for any useful information leading to the arrest of the perpetrators of the heinous attacks on citizens of the state.
“The people behind this must be unmasked and brought to book. I urge Citizens to report to us, anybody bearing firearm who is not a Security or Vigilante personnel, so we can deal with this monster, once and for all. Call 07039194332 or approach any Security deployment if you have any information. As the Americans say, IF YOU SEE SOMETHING, SAY SOMETHING”, the Governor said.
He condoled with the families of those who have lost their loved ones in the course of the senseless attacks. He said he would no stone unturned in getting justice for them.
He urged all citizens of the state to unite in the fight against all forms of terror, intimidation and tyranny.
“We will not succumb to invaders as I am convinced that no Anambra son will indulge in this kind of heartlessness. I warn all those promoting and participating in these violent attacks to leave our State or pay a high price as we will definitely catch up with them,”Governor Obiano said.
He called on law abiding citizens and persons living in the state to go about their lawful businesses and go to work and take back the state from criminals.
“This is Anambra, the Light of the Nation, where darkness has no place. The events of the last one week will not be allowed to fester and by God’s grace, we shall overcome”, the Governor said.
