Anambra State Governor, Prof. Chukwuma Charles Soludo, has leveled accusations against numerous vigilante members in the state, claiming they are complicit in collaborations with criminals, thereby undermining government efforts in combating insecurity.
In a statement released by the Governor’s Press Secretary, Mr. Christian Aburime, Governor Soludo made these assertions during a significant meeting with traditional leaders in Awka on Wednesday. He alleged that many vigilante members in the state have been compromised and are working hand in glove with criminal elements.
“The challenge we face is exacerbated by the fact that many vigilante members have formed alliances with criminals; they have been infiltrated,” quoted the Press Secretary, conveying the Governor’s remarks.
Aburime noted that Governor Soludo, while addressing the traditional leaders, expressed concerns regarding the command and control structures within various community vigilante groups across the state. “How many of these vigilante leaders actually reside within their communities? This is a crucial question I pose to all of you. How can the Commander of Achalla Vigilante, for instance, reside in Awka or Onitsha? This is untenable, and that’s why I emphasize the critical issue of command and control,” the Governor was quoted as saying.
Additionally, the Press Secretary stated that the Governor disclosed the rationale behind his decision not to authorize the monthly payments of vigilante members and pledged to hold traditional rulers and Presidents-General accountable for any misconduct by vigilante groups in their respective communities.
Governor Soludo also raised concerns about the prevalence of cultism in Ihiala and reiterated his administration’s commitment to investing significantly in security infrastructure in Ihiala, surpassing allocations to any other local government area in the state, according to Aburime.