Worried by the sudden resurgence of widespread insecurity in Anambra state since the governorship poll ended few weeks ago, the governor, Professor Charles Chukwuma Nwangbafor Soludo has been tasked by the HUMAN RIGHTS WRITERS ASSOCIATION OF NIGERIA (HURIWA) not to lose focus on securing the lives and property of citizens but to step up to the plate as a matter of urgency.
HURIWA said it is disturbing that the good people of Anambra State have again been subjected to the ordeals of bloody attacks by armed freelance attackers, the Rights group expressed consternation and disappointment that a yet-to-be-disclosed number of persons have been feared killed when some unknown armed men launched an attack near the Afor Market Junction in Nawfia community, Njikoka Local Government Area of Anambra State on Sunday.
HURIWA recalled with sadness and absolute disgust that the government funded security forces including the state vigilantes were no where to be seen when atmospgere of panic and chaos were unleashed just as the attackers reportedly opened fire on unsuspecting members of the community. Some victims were fatally injured while others fled for safety.
Citing eyewitness account, HURIWA quoted the source as stating thus“The armed hoodlums invaded Afor Market Junction and immediately opened fire, killing a lot of people. Nobody knows the reason behind the attack; the attack has left our community shaken.The attackers came out of nowhere this evening in a commando-like fashion and started shooting indiscriminately.
HURIWA disclosed that video footage of the incident currently circulating online showed members of the community running for safety while some lifeless bodies lay in a pool of blood on the ground even as the President General, Nawfia Progressive Union, Chief Daniel Okoye, who confirmed the development in a press statement on Sunday, said relevant security agencies have already been contacted, and investigations have begun to uncover those responsible.
Okoye said, “This evening, I received with deep shock the tragic news of an attack at the Afor Market Junction in Nawfia community.
“The incident resulted in multiple casualties, caused by unknown assailants who carried out this senseless act of violence.
“I strongly condemn this heartbreaking incident and the attempt to disrupt the peace of our beloved community. I have already contacted the relevant security agencies, and investigations are underway to uncover those responsible.
“I appeal to all Ndi Nawfia to remain calm, stay vigilant, and continue to cooperate with security operatives as they work tirelessly to restore normalcy and ensure our safety.
“My thoughts and prayers are with the families affected. On behalf of the Nawfia Progressive Union, I extend our deepest sympathies and assure you that we are fully committed to supporting efforts aimed at protecting lives and maintaining peace in Nawfia.”
Reacting, the civil society organization HURIWA condemned the attacks as despicable and reprehensible just as HURIWA charged the governor of the state to remain focused on defeating terrorists.
The Rights group said signals are emerging that post-election fatigue may have significantly affected the Anambra State Government led counter terrorism strategies just as the Rights group alleged that the members of the AGU NA ECHE MBA ARMED VIGILANTES set up by the Anambra State Government have lost focus from their main task but now focused on collection of taxation from traders in urban centres and have abandoned the primary duty of protection of lives and property of citizens of Anambra State
