By Tony Ezike
Director General of the South East Governors Forum, Senator Uche Ekwunife CON, has expressed deep sorrow and outrage over the tragic shooting incidents that occurred in Nibo and Okpuno areas of Awka, the state capital, on Sunday, October 20th, 2024. Ekwunife condemned the attacks in the strongest terms, calling for a thorough investigation into the violence, and urging citizens to collaborate with security agencies to combat crime and insecurity within the region.
Describing the incident as “senseless and barbaric,” Ekwunife extended her heartfelt condolences to traditional rulers of the affected communities, His Majesty Igwe Engr. Sunday I. Okafor of Okpuno, and Igwe Michael C. Ngene (JP), Ezeike the Fourth of Nibo. She also expressed sympathy to the grieving families, the Anambra State Government, and Ndi Anambra at large, recognizing the pain and loss caused by the incident.
In her call for justice, Ekwunife urged law enforcement agencies to conduct a swift and thorough investigation to apprehend the perpetrators and prevent further bloodshed. She emphasized the need for immediate action to strengthen security across the state, particularly in communities vulnerable to criminal and cult-related activities.
“I strongly condemn this tragic act of violence in Anambra State. Our communities should not be defined by such senseless acts, especially when we are known for our peace-loving nature. I call on security agencies to leave no stone unturned in bringing the culprits to justice,” Ekwunife stated.
“What we are facing in Anambra and other areas is an unconventional warfare. A terrible warfare whereby enemies and criminal elements are living within our environments, and the only way to win this war is for the citizens to collaborate with the security agencies, by providing useful information about criminals living in their various communities, to enable the government serve them better. It is only when the citizens cooperate well with the government by exercising their civic responsibility that the authorities would be able to wipe out these criminal elements.”
“Parents and guardians should look into the activities of their children, and ensure they know what the children are doing at every point in time. Religious leaders should also pay more attention to the moral values of young people. They should pray and preach more about good behaviour in the churches to augment the parent’s efforts towards refining the children’s moral conduct.”
As a seasoned leader in national affairs, Ekwunife used the opportunity to highlight the proactive measures taken by the South East Governors Forum (SEGOF) under the leadership of Imo State Governor, His Excellency Sen. Hope Uzodimma CON, to address the region’s insecurity. She praised the collaborative efforts between state governments, federal security agencies, and local vigilante groups, which have made significant strides in improving security.
“The South East governors have been working tirelessly to combat insecurity by investing in local security outfits and strengthening ties with federal agencies. Their efforts have begun to bear fruit in some areas, but we must remain vigilant. The cooperation of our citizens is essential in reporting criminal activities and supporting these initiatives,” Ekwunife said.
“Security is a shared responsibility. We need our citizens to step up, provide intelligence, and assist law enforcement in identifying criminal elements. It is only through working together that we can effectively curb these issues and ensure our communities remain safe,” she added.
Ekwunife addressed the youth directly, urging them to reject violence and criminal behavior and instead focus on education, skill acquisition, and entrepreneurship as pathways to success. She emphasized that the future of Anambra State and Nigeria depends on its youth, encouraging them to channel their energy towards positive endeavors.
“Our youths are the pillars of our future. I implore you to choose productive paths in life, such as education and entrepreneurship, and to avoid being lured into the destructive cycles of cultism and violence,” Ekwunife advised.
She reaffirmed her commitment to youth empowerment, noting her ongoing efforts to collaborate with stakeholders to create economic opportunities and ensure a brighter future for the state’s young people. Ekwunife concluded by calling on all levels of government to prioritize the safety of lives and property while urging the people of the South East to unite in safeguarding the peace and security of their communities.
