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From Jeff Amechi Agbodo, Onitsha
The Director, Special Anambra Anti-Touting Squad (SASA), Solomon Chukwuebuka Onwuemene, said incessant reports of illegal extortion, one-chance robbery, handbag snatching, and other criminal incidents have drastically reduced to 15 percent in Onitsha markets and across the state.
He said the establishment of SASA by Governor Chukwuma Soludo was the best thing that has happened to the state as touts had taken over the markets until the squad came and flushed them out of the state.
Onwuemene, who made the disclosure while briefing newsmen at the weekend, commended Governor Soludo for giving the task force free hand to operate without fear or favour, which he said has yielded positive results within the shortest period it was established.
“In a bold move to combat criminal activities in Anambra State, Governor Charles Soludo had established the Special Anambra Anti-Touting Squad (SASA). The squad is aimed at eliminating various forms of criminal activities, such as one-chance robbery, drug abuse, handbag snatching, and illegal extortion of traders, across markets in the state, particularly in Onitsha and its surrounding areas.
“Governor Soludo’s administration is determined to restore law and order in Anambra, with a specific focus on Onitsha and its environs. The establishment of the anti-touting squad is a crucial step towards achieving this goal.
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The squad’s primary objective is to ensure zero tolerance for touting in the state and create a pleasurable experience for pedestrians and commercial activities on the streets, roads, and markets.
“Touting has had a detrimental effect on the growth and development of Onitsha,
hence, the urgent need to eradicate this menace. Governor Soludo’s aim was to revive the traditional values that Anambra was once known for and restore the state’s reputation as the Light of the Nation.
“The administration has also prioritised youth empowerment programmes. The ongoing “One Youth, Two Skills Empowerment Programme” has already lifted over five thousand youths from the streets in just two years. This initiative will continue to provide great opportunities for the youth of Anambra.
“Residents of Anambra State are encouraged to pray for Governor Soludo as he works towards his vision of creating a liveable and prosperous state. And with the establishment of the anti-touting squad, the state is taking a stand against criminal activities, ensuring the safety and well-being of its citizens,” Onwuemene stated.
He, however, assured continuous collaboration with other security agencies to maintain a peaceful environment in the state, urging those indulged in touting and criminal activities to embrace the state government’s empowerment programmes to be gainfully employed and be meaningful to himself and to the society at large.
