Governor Charles Soludo of Anambra State has strongly defended the state’s newly established Agunechemba security outfit, describing its critics as supporters and accomplices of kidnappers, armed robbers, and other criminals terrorizing the state.
The governor made this declaration on Saturday during the funeral mass for the late Justice Azuka, a Labour Party lawmaker who represented Onitsha 1 Constituency in the Anambra State House of Assembly. Azuka was recently murdered in a tragic incident that has sparked outrage across the state.
Speaking at the ceremony, Soludo assured the bereaved family and Anambra residents that those responsible for the lawmaker’s death would face justice.
“They murdered Justice, and we will give them justice. No two ways about it,” he vowed. “We are shocked by the way some youths today are taking human lives. Many have been kidnapped, ransom paid, yet they are still killed. This must stop.”
The governor promised that the state government would support the late lawmaker’s family, though he refrained from disclosing specific plans.
Governor Soludo reiterated his administration’s commitment to maintaining law and order through the Agunechemba security initiative, despite growing criticism from some quarters.
“Some people are condemning the security outfit and even calling me names. But we don’t care. Anambra must be the most secure state in Nigeria,” he asserted.
He emphasized that while the constitution guarantees freedom of religion, the state would not tolerate individuals using traditional practices to protect criminals.
“We are not against traditional worship, but if you use charms to shield kidnappers and robbers, we will come for you,” he warned.
The governor commended the Asagba of Asaba, Prof. Epiphany Azinge, for taking proactive steps to prevent fleeing Anambra criminals from seeking refuge in Delta State.
“Prof. Azinge has set up a mechanism to check crime in Asaba. That is what a good traditional ruler should do, and I urge our traditional leaders in Anambra to emulate him,” Soludo stated.
The event was attended by prominent political figures, including Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi, Senator Victor Umeh, Senator Tony Nwoye, and various House of Representatives members.
Soludo’s remarks underscore his administration’s resolve to tackle insecurity head-on while dismissing detractors as enablers of the state’s criminal elements.
“We are after the kidnappers now—they’ve crossed the line,” he concluded. “Anambra must be safe for all.”
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