Chinedum Treasure
Special Adviser to Governor Chukwuma Soludo on Community Security, Mr. Ken Emeakayi has identified cultism as the latest security challenge confronting some parts of the state.
He also revealed that drug abuse remained major enabler of cult-related crimes.
Speaking during a community town hall programme hosted by ‘Ndigbo Viva’ in Awka, which focused on the security situation in Okija, Ihiala LGA where he hails from, Emeakayi assured government’s commitment to addressing the menace.
He regretted that recent cult clashes in Okija which Okija has become notorious for resulted in loss of lives and destruction of property through arson.
The Special Adviser argued that those perpetrating violent crimes across the state are not “unknown gunmen” as widely believed, but individuals who are well known within their communities.
“Although government has dealt decisively with many of them, yet some individuals continue to sponsor drug peddlers, cultists, and other criminals for personal and political interests, thereby undermining the progress of their communities.
He warned such sponsors to desist, emphasizing that the current administration remained committed to confronting insecurity head-on.
While calling on the 179 communities in Anambra State to take full ownership of their security, Emeakayi explained that the law establishing the Agunaechemba State Security Outfit was designed to make it community-based, community-driven, and community-managed.
He also clarified that “Operation Udogachi” is different from Agunaechemba, explaining that Udogachi is a joint security operation involving all security agencies in the state and is headed by the Commissioner of Police.
He also urged the people of Okija and the entire Ihiala Local Government Area to take community security seriously instead of relying solely on him while he carries out his responsibility of coordinating community security across Anambra State.
Expressing disappointment that the people of Okija rarely visited his office to discuss security challenges facing their community, the Security Chief underscored the importance of regular meetings between community leaders and residents.
He described such engagements as vital to sustainable development.
“Agunaechemba has no prosecutorial powers. Prosecution remains the constitutional responsibility of the Nigerian Police Force. Ours only complements efforts of the Police and other security agencies in combating crime across the state.
“Agunaechemba is particularly focused on tackling the activities of fake native doctors and self-acclaimed pastors who promise quick wealth because practices contribute to moral decadence and encourage criminality.
Emeakayi also revealed that commercial motorcyclists would soon undergo comprehensive profiling exercise to capture their biodata and enhance monitoring of their activities and movements.
He stressed that urgent attention must be given to combating drug abuse, cultism, activities of unidentified commercial motorcycle riders operating within the community and strengthening community leadership to drive sustainable development.
He commended the governor for his proactive security initiatives, especially in establishing Agunaechemba Security Outfit, warning that indiscipline and human rights abuses were not tolerated within the outfit.
Assuring thorough investigation of public complaints with erring personnel subjected to disciplinary measures, including trials to dismissal and other appropriate sanctions, Emeakayi called for unity among stakeholders to ensure continued peace, security and development of communities in the state.
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