By Lawrence Nwimo
Journalists in Anambra State have decried the spate of killings and continued existence of criminal activities in different communities in the State, expressing fear that without necessary actions by Anambrarians, it may become a full-blown terrorism.
The journalists made their feelings known on Thursday at a congress organized by the Anambra State Executive Council of the Nigeria Union of Journalists in partnership with the Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka; which held at Godwin Ezeemo International Press Centre, Awka.
speaking during the State-of-State at the event, the members of the fourth estate of the realm expressed concern over the relative ease with which crimes and killings are perpetrated in the state, noting that there had never been a case where the perpetrators were apprehended and prosecuted by security forces in the State.
The media practitioners recalled that no fewer than 16 lives were lost penultimate week at a burial ceremony in Ebenebe, Awka North, which came on the heels of killings and shootings at Oko, Ekwulobia and other suburb towns in the state.
They therefore called for precautionary approach from the security agencies, and tasked residents to wake up in their various capacities to help tame the monstrous threat to the society.
In a speech, the commissioner of Police CP Echeng Echeng urged journalists to live for one another as well as see the police as partner in the service to humanity.
Echeng who was represented by the Anambrat State Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), Tochukwu Ikenga, maintained that the police in the state remained resolute in its fight against crime and criminality in the state. He stressed that the police will not rest until the perpetrators of crimes in the state are arrested and prosecuted.
Speaking at the brainstorming session at the congress, the Vice Chancellor of Nnamdi Azikiwe University (UNIZIK), Prof. Charles Esimone, described journalists as important components of the society, noting that the UNIZIK’s partnership with the men of the media in the state has had a veritable influence in the success of his administration.
Prof. Esimone noted that despite all the challenges faced by public universities across the country, Nnamdi Azikiwe University has continued to record massive success in learning, research capacities and administrative advancements.
He also recognized the import of the University’s partnership with the public (town), which he said had solidified ties that had culminated in series of interventions and facility developments that has aided human living and contributed to problem solving in the society.
In a remark, the Acting Registrar, Federal Polytechnic Oko, Mr. Obini Onuchukwu applauded the State NUJ Exco for taking the union in the right direction and urged them not to relent in its drive towards lifting union to an enviable height.
Also at the congress, the state NUJ Chairman, Dr. Odogwu Emeka Odogwu inaugurated 28 subcommittees of the union and charged the members to work for the good of the union. He also urged them to refer to the state executive council should they encounter challenges in the cause of carrying out their rightful duties.
Highpoint of the event was swearing of oath of allegiance by the subcommittee members and the official delivery of 18 seater bus donated by the Anambra State Governor, Chief Willie Obiano to the union.