A group, Make Anambra Great Again, MAGA, on Friday staged a protest over the level of insecurity in Anambra State.
The group which was joined by the governorship candidate of Young Progressives Party, YPP, Mr Paul Chukwuma and his supporters, said the protest, which was held in the form of a peaceful walk, was necessitated by both the insecurity in the state and the activities of operatives of Agunechemba – a local security controlled by the state government.
The walk which commenced at Aroma Junction and terminated at the state police command in Amawbia witnessed massive attendance.
The YPP candidate who addressed journalists after the walk, said the local vigilante have taken over security in the state through the orchestration of the government, leading to the dehumanizing of citizens.
Chukwuma said: “This is a peaceful walk by a non governmental organisation, Make Anambra Great Again (MAGA). They embarked on a peaceful walk as a way of expressing their unhappiness with what we are facing in Anambra State.
“This ills have have to do with the level of insecurity, rascality, criminality that has received the state government endorsement. As a concerned Anambra, I decided that the protest aligns with my decision and unhappiness about what is happening in the state.
“That is why I joined in this peaceful walk to the Anambra State Police Command, to urge them to take over the responsibility of securing the state. Security has broken down here, and this is with the approval of the state government. We are calling on police authorities to take over security in the state.”
He complained that the state controlled security agency now parade high caliber prohibited arms, and have also been terrorizing citizens, as seen in the recent brutalization of a corps member, Miss Jennifer Elohor.
Responding to the protesters, the Deputy Commissioner of Police, DCP, in charge of Operations, Ibrahim Ezekiel, commended them for being peaceful and eschewing violence.
Ezekiel, who represented the Commissioner of Police, Ikioye Orutugu, assured that the command would look into allegations of the state owned security outfit using AK-47.
He said the state government had already handed over those who assaulted the NYSC member to the police, adding that the command had started investigation on the matter.
He noted that in line with its mandate to maintain peace and security, the command would engage relevant security stakeholders and partners to ensure that appropriate actions are taken to address the concerns raised, in accordance with the law and established procedures.
“The Police Command remains committed to protecting lives and property, promoting lawful engagement, and working closely with all stakeholders to sustain peace and security in Anambra State” the DCP said.
