Residents living in Anambra State but originally from other regions have raised the alarm over rising insecurity. The group, led by Alhaji Abubakar Sani and Chief Adebayo Adewusi, declared 15 out of the 21 local government areas (LGAs) in the state as unsafe.

They called on Governor Chukwuma Soludo to urgently declare a state of emergency in the affected areas. The residents also expressed deep concern about the deteriorating security situation in Onitsha, once considered relatively peaceful but now facing increased attacks by kidnappers and criminals.

The insecurity has escalated to the point where even prominent individuals are not spared. A recent case is the abduction of Most Rev. Dr. Godwin Okpala, the retired Anglican Archbishop of Nnewi Diocese, who was kidnapped in Ezinifite, Aguata LGA. He has been in captivity for almost a week, causing widespread fear and concern.

The group identified specific communities across several LGAs where insecurity is most severe:

• Orumba Area: Ogbunka, Umunze, Ajali
• Aguata LGA: Ezinifite, Uga, Umuchu
• Ogbaru LGA: Ogbe-Ukwu, Okoti, Ogwuaniocha, Ossomalla, Atani
• Ihiala LGA: Ihiala town, Mbosi, Azia, Uli, Amorka, parts of Okija
• Nnewi South LGA: Ukpor, Osumenyi, and nearby areas
• Awka North LGA: Achalla, Mgbakwu
• Awka South LGA: Areas plagued by cult activities
• Oyi LGA: Nsugbe, Nkwelle, and neighboring communities
• Onitsha North and South LGAs: Fegge, Odoakpu, 3-3
• Idemili North and South LGAs: Abatete, Nkpor, Ogidi, Obosi, Oba, Ojoto
• Ekwusigo LGA: Ozubulu, Oraifite

The group urged the state government to establish a joint security team made up of the Armed Forces, Police, Civil Defence, DSS, and the Anambra Vigilante Group (AVG). They emphasized that with proper funding, equipment, and support such as insurance and logistics, these agencies could effectively tackle criminal activities.

As the Christmas season approaches, the group stressed the need for immediate action to ensure Anambra is safe for residents and visitors. They warned that if the security challenges are not addressed quickly, it could deter people from returning home for the holidays.

The rising insecurity in Anambra is a growing concern, and residents are demanding urgent and decisive action to restore peace across the state.