By Lawrence Nwimo
Anambra state governor, Willie Obiano, has pledged a cash reward of twenty million naira to any person who could provide the state government with useful information on the whereabouts of killer gunmen in the state.
The governor’s offer followed repeated attacks and killing of innocent residents of the state. Among recent victims was Dr Chike Akunyili, husband of the late Prof Dora Akunyili. He was assassinated at Nkpor, Anambra state.
In his address on Wednesday, the governor expressed the state’s concerned with the continued loss of lives as a result of activities of armed persons who he said had unleashed terror on innocent citizens, thereby instilling fear and apprehension among them.
The address read in parts: “Since last weekend, some armed persons have unleashed terror with sporadic attacks on innocent citizens in various parts of the State.
“From the briefings I have received from Security Commanders, Offices of some political parties, branded campaign vehicles and individuals occupying them have been attacked with killings and burning of vehicles observed. Other innocent road users have become victims of this menace with many losing their lives and others, their properties.
“Between Sunday 26th and yesterday 28th September, 2021 attacks on citizens at Oko, Agulu, Obosi, Nkpor, Nnobi, Nnewi and other places have left about ten (10) people dead including an illustrious son of this State, Dr Chike Akunyili, husband of late Prof Dora Akunyili who was reportedly gunned down yesterday around Nkpor.
“I have therefore conducted an extensive security meeting and have directed all Security Agencies to step up and confront this monster ravaging our land. I charge everyone involved in the security architecture of Anambra State to take very seriously, this threat to our livelihood and boldly rise to confront same. Everything that needs to be done will be done and no stone will be left unturned in this effort. My directive to this effect is clear and I urge every security personnel on duty in Anambra State to do his utmost best to secure our people.”
Obiano urged residents, including youths of various communities in the state, to join forces with the government to confront the situation in the state, adding that the state could no longer tolerate the unprovoked killings.
He also said time is right for traditional rulers, presidents general, clergy men, vigilante groups and all leadership structures to take responsibility in conjunction with the police, military and other law enforcement agencies, to work for the restoration of order in the state.
“To reinforce our commitment and seriousness on this issue, I, on behalf of the state government, wish to announce a twenty-million-naira (N20,000,000.00) reward for any useful information leading to the arrest of the perpetrators of these heinous attacks on our state.
“The people behind this must be unmasked and brought to book. I urge citizens to report to us, anybody bearing firearm who is not security or vigilante personnel, so we can deal with this monster, once and for all,” he said.
While condoling with victims’ families, Obiano assured that his government would leave no stone unturned in the drive to unravel the perpetrators of the attacks.
He also urged citizens to unite in all forms of fight against terror, intimidation, tyranny and charged them to go about their lawful businesses in the state without fear.