National Issues
Available data suggest that Anambra has become a massive killing field —By Chima Christian
Everyday Ndi Anambra, especially adolescents and early adult males, are suffering on two counts. First is the many manifestations of insecurity. And then, the brutal, totally unregulated, and unaccountable policing environment where security resources seem to have the blanket approval to act without recourse to rules of engagement.
At a total of 201, Anambra, in 2022, became the state with the highest number of reported deaths arising from insecurity in the whole of southern Nigeria.
Despite his rhetorics, available data (especially Nigeria Security Tracker) suggest that Gov. Chukwuma Soludo is supervising a massive killing field. We are just ten days into the new year, and reports of gory killings from Obosi, Ifite Awka, and other such places have started filtering in.
Meanwhile, Awkuzu SARS, which never really changed its habits, has resumed its unofficial pastime of torturing and killing innocent citizens. Additionally, reports of impropriety and extra-judicial killings, wanton destructions, indiscriminate arrests, and detentions now mar the war against “unknown gunmen.”
For emphasis, I support all lawful and genuine attempts at stamping out criminality in Anambra state. What I have refused to accept is the ungodly idea that security men and women cannot be trained and be held responsible so they execute their job with pinpoint accuracy.
I have been praying for those who are excusing this official rascality as mere collateral damages, not to experience such “damages” in their lives and those of their loved ones. But it appears that I have to amend such prayers, so they understand what it feels like when an innocent person has been arrested, tortured, and killed for a crime he/she has no hand in.
I find it utterly distasteful that Anambra, the state with the most reported deaths arising from insecurity in the whole of southern Nigeria, is also retaining its dubious position as arguably the police brutality capital of Nigeria.
Everyday Ndi Anambra, especially adolescents and early adult males, are suffering on two counts. First is the many manifestations of insecurity. And then, the brutal, totally unregulated, and unaccountable policing environment where security resources seem to have the blanket approval to act without recourse to rules of engagement.
It is sad to see that the night has gotten pitch black in Anambra when it comes to security.
Yet, Africa’s morning will come.
Chima Christian
