On Saturday 18 January, the Anambra State Government finally launched its ”Operation Udo Ga-Achi”, which is its response to the spate of criminality blowing across the state, culminating in the kidnap and killing of many citizens. During the launch, the State Governor, Prof Chukwuma Soludo, also announced the formation of ”Agunechemba”, a local based security outfit that will fight criminality in the grassroots.
The launch of ”Operation Udo Ga-Achi” came after months of Criticisms against the State Government over what many saw as its failure to respond appropriately to the overwhelming crime situation in the state which had forced many to flee their communities and to hold activities like funerals and marriages outside the state.
The launch of the operation came as a welcome relief for many Anambra citizens who can henceforth, expect a new lease of life. But although crime had continued after the launch, including the kidnap of a medical doctor in Nnewi, Tuesday, despite the routing of a camp belonging to criminals a day after the launch of the operation in Isiagu, Awka North LGA of the state, one does not really expect criminality to vanish overnight. But then, we expect that anything delaying the effective takeoff of the operation should be ironed out to ensure success.
Our investigations revealed that in many communities, the Agunechemba personnel, who are expected to be twenty in number in each of the communities, are still in the process of being assembled, while operational vehicles are yet to be released to them despite not being enough. We were made to understand that what has been made available by way of operational vehicles is the first batch, while the second is being awaited.
We believe that since the State Government had always known when to launch the operation, everything should have been in place from the day of the launch. Ideally, every community would have had their own Agunechemba Personnel present at the venue of the launch after which they would drive off in their vehicles to begin their job.
The idea of communities still being in the dark about what is going on, days after the launch, is not palatable and can only embolden the criminals to keep striking and thus, dampening the morale of members of the public.
We therefore, urge the Anambra State Government to quickly solve the remaining pieces of the jigsaw to ensure that its fight against the criminals takes off smoothly and fast. We also hope that when they finally take off fully, the fight will be sustained to avoid a situation where it falters half way and cause a return to status quo.
Also some opposition members have voiced their concern over the possibility of the Agunechemba Outfit being turned into a tool for witch-hunting opponents of the party in power, as well as running out of control and engaging in human rights abuses. The State Government should look into this and ensure that the outfit remains professional and apolitical. Anything short of this will take a big shine off the intention behind their establishment.
Once more we pray that the launch of this operation will bring the needed peace in Anambra State to justify its name. ka Udo Chia.