As the war against criminals and criminal elements in Anambra State rages, it behoves everyone, irrespective of political leaning, to support the State Government to permanently drive these hoodlums out of the state.
Yes, there may have been some imperfections in the early days of this war but that is to be expected. What matters though, is that those mistakes would not be repeated.
It is on record that since the formation of the Agunechemba Security Outfit by the Anambra State Government in January, the crime situation in the state has vastly improved. We do not expect a crime free-state in any way because even in the most advanced countries of the world crimes still exist. But when genuine efforts are seen to be made to curb such, credit must be given where it is due.
It is expected that criminals will still pop up occasionally to carry out their nefarious activities (as was seen in the kidnap of a Catholic priest recently in Nnewi) but we are happy that genuine efforts are being made by the government to make the state very hot for them, much unlike before.
We are happy to note that government is not just going after the criminals but also after those who connive with them, such as native doctors and fake men of God, who prepare charms for them and fortify them for their nefarious activities. So also is government going after those who sell harmful substances/drugs to these criminals who take them and begin to act like animals.
Indeed, it can be argued that over 90% of criminals take drugs of different hues before going on their deadly operations; just as they patronize native doctors and false prophets for power and protection. Thus, hunting down these people and bringing them to book will reduce the rate of crime commission in the state.
These people have done incalculable harm to society, especially to the young ones who they have deceived into buying into the false philosophy of having money without working for it. They have produced a generation of youths who baulk at hard, honest work and proudly parade themselves as Yahoo Boys, rather than hiding their heads in shame.
Within the past few days, the arrests of three of such native doctors and self-styled prophets were made, with their interrogation continuing. It is a step in the right direction. Although some people have viewed it as an infringement on their right to practicing the religion of their choice, we all know that is not the case, as they are those working with criminals and empowering them.
We assure Gov Chukwuma Soludo that we are solidly behind him in ridding this society of all bad elements and we enjoin the citizenry to join in the act so that Anambra will regain her sanity.
