Anambra Election: Kukah Center Launches Early Warning Team, Flags Security Flashpoints Across 21 LGAs

The Kukah Center, Abuja, secretariat of the National Peace Committee led by General Abdulsalami Abubakar, has pinpointed potential security flashpoints across Anambra State ahead of the November 8 governorship election.

During a training workshop in Awka, stakeholders were appointed as members of the Early Warning, Early Response (EWER) team, tasked with monitoring and mitigating threats in all 21 local government areas.

Findings from the exercise indicate that Anambra South poses the highest risk to a peaceful election due to non-state actor activities, proliferation of unlicensed firearms, misinformation on social media, and possible interference from neighboring Imo State. Communities such as Mbosi, Isekke, Orsumoghu, and Lilu remain largely deserted despite security operations, raising concerns about the feasibility of elections in these areas. Orumba North and South were also highlighted for reports of gunmen hiding in bushes, while Ekwulobia in Aguata has been flagged as a hotspot for false information dissemination.

In Anambra North, flooding in Anambra West, Anambra East, Ayamelum, and Ogbaru, alongside cult-related activities in Oyi and herders’ attacks in parts of Omambala, were identified as potential threats.

For Anambra Central, stakeholders noted the presence of cult groups in Awka South, Idemili North, and Awka North as possible disruptors. Rivalries between traditional rulers and Presidents General in communities such as Nri, Alor, Awka, and Nawfia were also flagged for their potential political consequences.

Deborah Obafemi, an official of the Kukah Center, urged EWER members to leverage traditional conflict resolution mechanisms at the grassroots level. “EWER is not just about detecting conflict; it’s also about collaborative action to prevent it. The success of the Anambra election and the peace it is expected to generate depends on how well stakeholders collaborate,” she said.

Similarly, Project Officer Asabe Ndahi encouraged the appointees to be proactive. “We have begun the task to ensure a credible election. Be resilient as you return to your communities to begin the work,” she advised.

Opinion Nigeria News