Anambra State Governor, Chukwuma Soludo, has urged citizens to take responsibility in the fight against crime, particularly in the face of rising incidents of kidnapping for ransom and ritual killings. Speaking during the Armed Forces Remembrance Day ceremony in Awka on Wednesday, Soludo placed significant blame on what he described as a “conspiracy of silence” by the public, which he believes is enabling criminal activities to thrive in the state.
“We cannot continue to pretend that all is well when we know that criminals live among us,” Soludo said, his voice heavy with concern as he laid a wreath in honor of the nation’s fallen heroes. “These criminals are not faceless strangers; they are people’s husbands, brothers, fathers, and relatives. It’s time we spoke out against them.”
The Governor’s remarks came at a time when Anambra has been grappling with a spike in criminal activities that include high-profile cases of abductions for ransom, as well as ritual killings that have caused widespread alarm among residents. In recent months, the state has witnessed a disturbing increase in such crimes, many of which are believed to be linked to the lucrative trade in human organs and the practice of seeking spiritual power through sacrificial acts.
Soludo continued: “What is needed is a change in mindset. We must stop tolerating criminality, and we must stop looking the other way when we know something is wrong. It is time for us all to step up, speak out, and support our security agencies in tackling these issues.”
The Governor emphasized that the fight against insecurity must be a joint effort between the government, security forces, and the public. He urged citizens to be more vigilant and report suspicious activities to the appropriate authorities, stressing the importance of the “See something, say something” approach in curbing crime.
Rising Crime Waves: A Growing Concern
The surge in criminal activities in Anambra has been deeply concerning to both local authorities and residents. Over the past year, the state has seen a rise in kidnappings, with individuals being taken for ransom in rural and urban areas alike. These kidnappings, often carried out by well-organized criminal groups, have caused fear among residents who now feel increasingly vulnerable, especially in the wake of the state’s worsening security situation.
In addition to the abductions, the state has also become a hotspot for ritual killings, a practice linked to the growing belief in the occult and spiritual powers that some criminals believe can be harnessed through human sacrifices. These acts have shocked the public and prompted many to call for stronger action from both the state government and law enforcement agencies.
In his statement, Soludo made it clear that the state’s leadership would continue to prioritize security and work closely with federal agencies, including the Nigerian Police Force and military, to root out criminals. He noted that despite the challenges, Anambra’s government was committed to ensuring the safety of its people.
The Role of Public Silence in Crime
Governor Soludo’s focus on the “conspiracy of silence” echoes a growing sentiment that many of the criminals operating in Anambra’s communities are known to local residents but remain unreported. This issue of complicity through silence has been identified as a major barrier to the state’s efforts to combat crime effectively.
Local security experts have supported Soludo’s view, noting that in many cases, criminals in rural and urban areas are able to operate with impunity because their activities are either ignored or tolerated by those around them. In some instances, family members and neighbors of suspected criminals have been accused of turning a blind eye to their actions, whether out of fear, personal connections, or indifference.
“People know who the criminals are, and where they live. But they are too afraid to speak out or they don’t care enough to do so,” said an anonymous local security source who spoke to this newspaper on the condition of anonymity. “This silence only emboldens the criminals and allows them to continue terrorizing communities.”
In response to this challenge, Soludo has called for more community engagement and awareness campaigns to encourage residents to speak out against criminal activities. He urged traditional rulers, religious leaders, and civil society groups to take an active role in educating the public about the dangers of harboring or protecting criminals.
A Call to Action: Collective Responsibility
At the heart of Soludo’s message was a call for collective responsibility in tackling insecurity. “Combating insecurity is not just the duty of the government and the police; it is the responsibility of each and every one of us,” the Governor declared during his speech. “If we want a safer Anambra, we must all play our part. If you see something, say something.”
The Governor also pledged continued support for security forces in Anambra, including the provision of modern equipment and resources to help law enforcement agencies carry out their duties effectively. “We will ensure that our security agencies have everything they need to protect us. But they also need the cooperation of the public to succeed,” Soludo emphasized.
In his tribute to the fallen servicemen and women, Soludo honored the sacrifices of those who have given their lives in defense of Nigeria’s security. He urged Nigerians to extend the same respect and support to the men and women still serving in the armed forces, many of whom continue to face daily dangers while working to safeguard the nation.
“As we remember the brave men and women who gave their lives for our country, let us also recognize the ongoing sacrifices of those still in service,” Soludo said. “Their courage and commitment to national security should inspire us all to do our part in the fight against crime and insecurity.”
The Road Ahead: A State in Crisis
Despite the Governor’s call for unity and action, the road to achieving a more secure Anambra remains fraught with challenges. The growing threat of organized crime, combined with a culture of silence, has left many residents fearful and uncertain about the future.
For Anambra to successfully combat these crimes, experts say it will require not just a change in public attitudes but also an overhaul of law enforcement strategies, with a focus on intelligence gathering, community policing, and stronger partnerships between state and federal authorities.
