By Tony Okafor
The recent Nibo massacre in Anambra State has sparked widespread outrage and finger-pointing, with many blaming Governor Chukwuma Soludo for not doing enough in the security sector.
The criticisms were not unfounded because, as the chief security officer of Anambra State, Governor Soludo has a social contract to provide security and welfare to the citizenry, as mandated by existing laws.
Furthermore, the governor has access to security votes, a discretionary fund allocated for addressing security concerns.
However, beyond the blame game, it’s crucial to recognize that security is everyone’s business, and collective action is necessary to secure the state.
While it’s easy to politicize the issue, 2025 governorship aspirants and opposition parties must refrain from exploiting the insecurity for political gain. Instead, they should work towards finding solutions.
The late Senator Ifeanyi Ubah’s example is instructive – he provided adequate security in Nnewi and its environs without being governor, demonstrating that effective security measures can be implemented through collaborative efforts.
Captains of industry, community leaders, and ordinary citizens must join forces to ensure the state’s security. This includes supporting police, local security initiatives, providing resources, and promoting community engagement.
Organic unity and cooperation among security stakeholders are crucial for effective progress.
It is essential to condemn those exploiting insecurity and violence for personal or political gain, as such actions only exacerbate the problem and undermine efforts to achieve peace and stability.
Anambra State requires a collective approach to security, empowering local communities to take ownership of security efforts, fostering partnerships between government, businesses, and civil society, investing in security infrastructure, and addressing poverty, unemployment, and other socio-economic factors that fuel insecurity.
Intelligence is crucial in effective policing, enabling law enforcement to anticipate and disrupt criminal activities through efficient resource deployment and collaboration.
By leveraging intelligence gathering, analysis, and sharing, police can stay ahead of criminals, reduce response times, and minimize harm to innocent citizens, ultimately preventing tragedies like the Nibo massacre.
By working together, Anambra State can overcome the current challenges and build a safer, more prosperous future for all.
It’s time to shift focus from blame to collective action, recognizing that security is a shared responsibility that demands cooperation from all stakeholders.
The government, citizens, and organizations must unite to prevent future tragedies and ensure the well-being of residents.
