Anambra State is facing a deepening crisis of insecurity, marked by relentless attacks that have raised questions about the motives behind the violence and its connection to the detention of Nnamdi Kanu, leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB). Despite efforts by Governor Charles Soludo to address the issue, the state continues to endure frequent assaults, prompting concerns that the violence may reflect a broader agenda to destabilize the region.
A Wave of Violence Before and After the 2021 Election
Leading up to the November 6, 2021, governorship election, Anambra State was gripped by severe insecurity, with near-daily attacks on police stations resulting in significant loss of life among security operatives. One notable incident involved an assault on a meeting hosted by then-candidate Chukwuma Soludo in his Isuofia community, where three policemen assigned to him were killed. The situation became so dire that the federal Attorney General considered declaring a state of emergency, which could have disrupted the election. Ultimately, the election proceeded peacefully, and Soludo emerged victorious.
During his inauguration on March 17, 2022, Governor Soludo emphasized the critical need for a secure environment to foster progress. He extended an olive branch to IPOB and other aggrieved groups, inviting them to a dialogue to resolve their concerns. “A secure Anambra is essential for progress, and I urge all parties to come to the table,” Soludo stated, highlighting his commitment to peace.
Soludo’s Visit to Nnamdi Kanu
Despite these efforts, the violence escalated in the early days of Soludo’s administration, particularly in the Anambra South senatorial zone. In response, Soludo took a significant step by visiting Nnamdi Kanu, who is detained by the Department of State Services (DSS) on treasonable charges. The visit, which occurred the previous Saturday, aimed to address the root causes of insecurity in the South-East. Soludo reported that Kanu condemned the ongoing criminal activities, including killings, kidnappings, and the enforced “sit-at-home” protests attributed to groups claiming to act on IPOB’s behalf. “Kanu promised to urge his followers to maintain peace through a broadcast when given the opportunity,” Soludo shared on his Facebook page, expressing hope for restoring stability.
Tragically, shortly after the visit, gunmen abducted Hon. Okechukwu Okoye, the state House of Assembly member representing Soludo’s Aguata II constituency. Addressing the Assembly while presenting his revised budget, Soludo lamented, “I regret that my own representative remains in captivity, but security agencies are working tirelessly to secure his release.” This incident has fueled speculation that the attacks may be a deliberate attempt to undermine Soludo’s administration.
Questions Surrounding the Violence
The persistent attacks have sparked widespread debate about their underlying causes. Many in Anambra question why the state is disproportionately targeted, especially since Kanu hails from Abia State, which has remained relatively peaceful. “Why is Anambra suffering when other states, including those openly opposed to Biafra, enjoy calm?” asked Prince Chris Azor, leader of the Anambra Civil Society Network (ACSONET). He warned that the violence, including arson and loss of life, is intolerable and called for urgent federal intervention.
Azor criticized the federal government’s apparent lack of action, noting that President Muhammadu Buhari, as Commander-in-Chief, bears responsibility for addressing security challenges. “The President must act decisively, or we are prepared to hold him accountable,” Azor declared, reflecting the frustration of Anambra’s citizens.
A State Under Siege
Local voices, such as Anambra indigene Nnadi Obiora, expressed dismay at the state’s decline. “Anambra is becoming a ghost state, losing its status as a business hub,” Obiora said, pointing to prolonged school closures and disrupted markets due to the violence. He lamented the impact on education, with children idling while their peers in other states continue learning. Obiora urged residents to resist the tyranny of “miscreants” and reclaim their livelihoods, invoking the legacy of Dim Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu to underscore the state’s proud heritage.
The national chairman of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA), Dr. Victor Oye, suggested that security agencies could resolve the crisis with sufficient determination. Meanwhile, IPOB has publicly distanced itself from the violence, calling on police to target the true perpetrators.
Seeking a Path to Peace
Governor Soludo has taken proactive measures, including convening a peace and security summit shortly after his inauguration and establishing a security committee. He has engaged with traditional leaders, market unions, youth groups, and civil society to find lasting solutions. Despite these efforts, the violence persists, raising fears of a targeted campaign to destabilize Anambra. “The issue is no longer just about Kanu’s detention but a deliberate plan to bring Anambra down,” Azor asserted, echoing a growing sentiment among residents.
As Anambra grapples with this burden, the call for federal action grows louder. The state’s residents, weary of living in fear, demand an end to the violence that threatens their way of life and the legacy of their homeland.
