From Aloysius Attah, Onitsha
Counsel to the detained Leader of the Indigenous Peoples of Biafra (IPOB), Ifeanyi Ejiofor has decried the escalating insecurity in the South-East, especially in Anambra State, noting that the situation has reached a critical and alarming state that demands immediate and urgent attention.
Ejiofor in a statement yesterday,said the frequency and rampant cases of kidnappings, acts of violence, and widespread lawlessness in the zone has created an atmosphere of fear, leaving citizens in constant anxiety as they go about their daily lives.
He said the troubling situation underscored the need for swift, proactive, coordinated, and decisive intervention to prevent further deterioration of peace and stability and restoration of order in the region.
He lamented that his previous efforts in sounding the alarm over the activities of non-state actors and their threat to peace and security in the region were not addressed thereby leading to the present challenge.
“Having been at the forefront campaign for decisive measures to combat insecurity throughout the South-East, particularly in Anambra and Imo States, I have continuously sounded the alarm about the threat posed by non-state actors who are deeply involved in violent crimes. Despite these early warnings and my repeated appeals for timely interventions to dismantle these growing criminal networks, the necessary preventive measures were unfortunately not taken. The result is the current crisis, which continues to worsen and spiral out of control”
But nevertheless, he said his commitment to the southeast region’s prosperity, security, and welfare drives him to speak out once more.
“It is imperative that the Anambra State Government, under the leadership of Governor Chukwuma Charles Soludo, along with all political, traditional, and community leaders across the South-East, rise to this critical challenge. We can no longer afford to remain complacent while our communities suffer. The security of our people and the future of our region must be the top priority.
“The alarming daily reports of kidnappings, murders, and attacks throughout the South-East are deeply distressing. Families are being torn apart, livelihoods are being destroyed, and the basic sense of safety we once knew is disappearing, rapidly” he regretted
“On behalf of the responsible people of Anambra and the entire South-East, I demand immediate and resolute action to eliminate these criminal elements and restore law, order, and stability”.
Ejiofor called for requisite action without delay, collectively and decisively, to reclaim the region from the grips of insecurity.
“The stakes could not be higher, and failure to act decisively would be an unacceptable betrayal of the people we are sworn to protect. The choices made today will determine the future of our communities, and we owe it to future generations to make the right ones. The time for action is now”.