Rep Afam Ogene condemns attack on Ogbaru LGA headquarters
By Jeffrey Agbo
The Representative of Ogbaru Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, Afam Ogene, has described the brutal attack on the Atani headquarters of Ogbaru Local Government Area in Anambra State as “utterly horrendous, mindless, and worrisome”.
In the early hours of Friday, gunmen launched a ferocious assault on the LGA headquarters, setting it ablaze. Eyewitnesses reported that around 30 heavily armed assailants, who were said to have accessed the building from the Umuzu and Amiyi axis, stormed the facility with guns and dynamites. The attack resulted in the destruction of buildings and vehicles within the complex.
In a statement issued in Awka, the state capital, Ogene expressed deep concern over the incident. He urged the Anambra State Government and security agencies to take immediate action to ensure the safety and security of the people.
Ogene lamented that the recurring killings and destruction of property in the LGA have become a persistent nightmare, instilling fear and trepidation among the residents. He emphasised the need for swift and decisive action to address the situation and restore peace to the affected communities.
According to Ogene, the persistent violence and criminality in Ogbaru LGA are alarming despite repeated calls for government action. He stated, “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.”
He revealed that various groups, including traditional rulers, have submitted memos to Governor Charles Soludo, requesting increased security presence in the LGA, but their pleas have been ignored. He emphasised that he 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.
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“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,” 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 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 Soludo’s attention to the plight of his people.
The lawmaker emphasised: “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.”
