From Aloysius Attah, Onitsha and Emmanuel Uzor, Awka
Gunmen said to be in their large numbers on Friday morning attacked the Ogbaru Local Government Secretariat in Atani community, Anambra State.
It was gathered that the hoodlums, who invaded the secretariat set buildings, including a town hall meant for traditional rulers and some administrative facilities at the premises ablaze.
This is the second time in two months that gunmen would attack the Ogbaru LGA as a similar attack was carried out on June 15, 2024.
Although, there were no casualties recorded at the moment, but sources in the area who witnessed the Friday incident, said the hoodlums shot indiscriminately into the air thereby sending panic to residents.
The sources said the attack, however, has sparked renewed concerns about security in Ogbaru, with the locals saying that some days ago, a security man was killed as a result of bullet wounds he sustained from gunmen attack.
One of the sources in the area said, “Gunmen numbering about 30 who emerged from the bush at about 5am, chanted songs as they stormed the local government secretariat, shooting into the air.
“They trekked from their hideouts and got to Atani Magistrate Court located near the council and started setting some buildings within the council ablaze, including main secretariat and traditional rulers buildings.
“The hoodlums were about setting some other buildings ablaze before the arrival of security operatives who opened fire against them. The arrival of the police officers made them flee back into the bushes.
When contacted, the Anambra State police spokesman, SP Tochukwu Ikenga, confirmed the incident, adding that joint security operation is still going on in the area.
Ikenga said, “The Commissioner of Police, Anambra State Police Command, CP Nnaghe Itam, has condemned the morning attack at the Ogbaru Local Government Area Headquarters Secretariat by the gunmen.
“The security operatives gallantly resisted the attack of the gunmen on Ogbaru LGA in the early hours of today, August 30. Some LGA properties were destroyed, some buildings were also affected, but no life was lost.
“The hoodlums fled the scene due to the superior fire power of security operatives. At the moment, joint security operation is still ongoing. Further development shall be communicated, please.”
Reacting to the development, Member representing Ogbaru Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, Afam Victor Ogene, has strongly denounced the brutal attack on the local government headquarters
He described the incident as “utterly horrendous, mindless, and worrisome”.
Ogene expressed deep concern and condemnation over what he described as senseless violence in Ogbaru Local Government Area. He urged the Anambra State Government and security agencies to take immediate action to ensure the safety and security of the people.
He also lamented that the recurring violent killings and destruction of property in the LGA have become a persistent nightmare, instilling morbid fears and trepidation among the residents and emphasized the need for swift and decisive action to address the situation and restore peace to the affected communities.
“It is worrisome that despite numerous appeals to the government to address insecurity in Ogbaru, we continue to witness avoidable incidents of violence and criminality.”
Rep Ogene revealed that various groups, including traditional rulers, have submitted memos to Governor Prof. Charles Soludo, requesting increased security presence in the LGA, but their pleas have been ignored. He disclosed that he had personally alerted the Governor about the growing insecurity and the need to address the root causes, including the Ogwuaniocha communal crisis, but his warnings have gone unheeded.
“In fact, I am aware that earlier this year, the traditional rulers of Ogbaru had, in a memo to Governor Soludo, lamented the siege on their people and suggested the siting of security outposts around the junctions leading into Amiyi and Ogwuaniocha communities.
“Similarly, only two months ago, the Head of Local Government Administration(HLGA) in Ogbaru, Mr. Ike Alphonsus, in a similar memo to the Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs drew attention to the parlous security situation in Ogbaru,” Rep Ogene said.
He stated that as a lawmaker, he has taken steps to address the issue, moving a motion titled “Urgent Need to Rescue Ogwuaniocha Community in Ogbaru Federal Constituency, Anambra From the Jaws of Violent Criminal Gangs.”
The motion he said highlighted the takeover of the community by criminal gangs, resulting in the displacement of residents, untold hardship, and fear; and has every given opportunity drawn Governor Soludo’s attention to the plight of his people.
He emphasized: “The primary responsibility of any government is to safeguard lives and property. A democracy cannot thrive in an atmosphere of fear, anxiety, and insecurity. We cannot allow criminality to pervade our land as if we live in an ungoverned territory. All individuals who value peace and progress must unite and condemn these faceless violent criminals who hide behind anonymity.
“The current policy of leaving hapless citizens to take care of their security is clearly unworkable. While individual communities are expected to contribute their own quota in securing their environment, their overall security and well-being remains the primary purpose of government – one which the Governor Soludo administration cannot keep shying away from.
“I urge Governor Soludo to take decisive action, assume leadership, and protect our people from further devastation in Ogbaruland. The time for intervention is now.” He stated.