Governor Soludo Exposes Alleged Collusion Between Anambra Vigilantes and Criminals

Anambra State Governor, Prof. Chukwuma Soludo, has accused some vigilante operatives in the state of colluding with criminals, hindering the government’s efforts to combat insecurity.

During a meeting with traditional rulers and community leaders in Awka on Thursday, Soludo expressed concerns about vigilante personnel entering into agreements with criminal elements, leading to the infiltration of criminals into the security outfit.

The governor disclosed that this alarming situation has prompted him to withhold monthly payments to the vigilante operatives. He pledged to hold traditional rulers and community leaders accountable if vigilante operatives within their jurisdictions engage in misconduct.

Addressing the issue, Soludo questioned the effectiveness of vigilante commanders residing outside their communities, emphasizing the importance of local command and control.

The governor stated, “Communities must show a concerted effort to police their areas and enable businesses to operate consistently, ultimately eradicating the sit-at-home practice.”

Highlighting the gravity of insecurity and cultism, particularly in Ihiala Local Government Area, Soludo underscored his government’s commitment to security infrastructure, allocating more resources to Ihiala than any other local government area in the state.

The meeting commenced with a moment of silence for Chief Silas Onyima, the late President-General of Umuoji community, who was murdered last Friday, and the victims of the Odu-Igbo tragedy in Ochanja Market, Onitsha.

Established in September 1999 due to rising armed robbery cases in Onitsha, the Anambra State Vigilante Group law was enacted in 2004 to empower private groups in preventing crime within the state. Soludo’s call for community involvement and potential reconstitution of vigilante forces aims to address the security challenges faced by the state.