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Insecurity Tales: Between Reality and Toxic Hype in Anambra – Aburime

Published

3 years ago

July 3, 2023

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By Christian ABURIME

The Chief press Secretary to the Anambra state government, CHRISTIAN ABURIME has reacted to the insecurity Tales both in Anambra state and the country at large.

According to Aburime, the issue of insecurity is a global phenomenon, and today it is not the exclusive preserve of any society. Every nation has its share of security risks and breaches.

He said while responsible governments try their best to fulfill their constitutional primary responsibility of securing lives and property, no society in the world is ever totally safe.

His words: In fact, according to a United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) report, 6 in 7 people worldwide are plagued by feelings of insecurity. Also, the report further confirms that about 1.2 billion people live in conflict-affected areas, with almost half of them (560 million) in countries not usually considered to be fragile.

This means that, whether in the developed world or developing continents, vulnerability to insecurity is universal. Gun violence is an ever present threat in the US. Fatal stabbings are common in the UK. Terrorism abounds in the Middle East. Deadly crimes occur in Asia. South America has their drug cartel and mafia-related killings.

And most countries in Africa face diverse insecurity crises, including South Africa where crimes and killings are regular. But despite all the spate of insecurity across the developed societies, visitors, tourists and investors never cease travelling there; neither do their citizens badmouth their countries to the outside world.

This makes one wonder why when it comes to the case of Nigeria, some subversive elements are bent on disparaging their own state with exaggerated tales of insecurity, especially in Anambra State.

They have appointed themselves as town-criers of not good tidings, but of horror stories and pull-down-Anambra narratives just to make the government look bad. What a criminal indulgence!

Every day, insecurity rears its ugly head in different parts of Nigeria as daily reported in the news. For instance, banditry and kidnappings are daily tales in the North zone of the country. Weeks ago, five students of Federal University, Gusau in Zamfara State were kidnapped and yet to be released. Sectarian killings continue in Kaduna, Plateau, Niger, Kogi and Benue.

Gallant Nigerian soldiers recently arrested some rail track vandals in Nasarawa, just as policemen lately engaged armed robbers in a gun battle in Gombe State. Abuja, the seat of power that should be supposedly most secure, is a theatre of kidnappings and stabbings.

Over the past weeks, there have been several reported incidents of fatal stabbings across Abuja, from Wuse II to Gwarimpa, Airport Road to Gwagwalada, and Utako to Jabi.

Coming down to the Southwest, the zone has its own share of insecurity crises. Armed robberies and ritual killings do occur in Lagos, Ogun, Ondo and other states.

South-south and Southeast regions are not spared either.

In all of this, citizens of various states don’t indulge in mischievous hyping up of terrifying insecurity to discourage visitors and investors as some misguided few Anambra State’s own citizens do. And in spite of isolated incidents of violence and crime, Anambra State today can still be reckoned as one of the safest states in Nigeria.

The relative security in the state is not a mere coincidence, but rather the result of deliberate and concerted efforts by the Soludo-led government to continue to secure lives and protect property.

So, instead of campaign of calumny and pull-it-down syndrome by critics who never see anything good in their state, Anambra State government under the visionary leadership of Prof Chukwuma Charles Soludo, CFR, deserves commendation for its unwavering dedication to ensuring the security of lives and property within its jurisdiction.

The government has made substantial investments in law enforcement agencies, equipped them with modern technology, and provided adequate incentives to enhance their effectiveness.

Furthermore, the government has created an enabling environment for the security agencies to operate optimally, fostering collaboration and intelligence sharing among them.

However, as citizens of this remarkable state, it is crucial to recognize the responsibility we bear in maintaining the positive strides that Anambra State has made in other aspects.

We must refrain from indulging in the temptation to badmouth our own state or spread exaggerated stories of insecurity. While it is natural to discuss and address any security issues that may arise, let conversations be constructive and tend towards improvement.

We must discuss our security situation with caution and accuracy, avoiding the trap of sensationalism in social media platforms that could unjustly scare away visitors and investors.

As it is a universally acknowledged fact that no society is ever totally free from insecurity, the Anambra State government will continue to do all things possible to strengthen the state’s security architecture. And with Ndi Anambra providing their goodwill and support, fostering a healthy environment of positivity, the state will surely flourish under the protective wings of a proactive government led by Governor Soludo.

By so doing, we will attract the much-need development investments that will ultimately help in making Anambra a secure, livable, progressive and prosperous state we can all be proud of.

News

Tunji Disu Takes Over from Egbetokun as Nigeria’s new IGP

Before his elevation, Disu was the Assistant Inspector-General of Police (AIG) in charge of the Force Criminal Investigation Department (CID) Annex, Lagos.

Published

2 hours ago

February 25, 2026

OCHEFA

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• IGP Tunji Disu

Tunji Disu, has been appointed as Nigeria’s Inspector-General of Police, subject to confirmation by the Nigerian Senate.

Before his elevation, Disu was the Assistant Inspector-General of Police (AIG) in charge of the Force Criminal Investigation Department (CID) Annex, Lagos.

He took over from the former IGP, Kayode Egbetokun.

Over the course of his career, he has held several sensitive and strategic roles within the Nigeria Police Force, including leadership positions in the Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS), anti-kidnapping units and state criminal investigation departments.

Below are five notable facts about the new police chief:

1. A people-centred approach during the EndSARS protests.

During the 2020 EndSARS protests, Disu, then Commander of the Lagos State Police Rapid Response Squad (RRS), distinguished himself with a people-focused policing strategy.

Under his leadership, RRS ambulances were deployed to provide medical assistance to injured protesters. His engagement style helped rebuild trust between law enforcement and civilians, with residents willingly sharing intelligence, confident of confidentiality.Security experts later cited the RRS under Disu as a benchmark for professional, community-oriented policing.

Security experts later cited the RRS under Disu as a benchmark for professional, community-oriented policing.

2. Central role in the arrest of kidnap kingpin Evans

Disu was a key figure in the operation that led to the arrest of notorious kidnap kingpin Chukwudumeme Onwuamadike, popularly known as Evans.

The suspect was apprehended at his Magodo residence in Lagos, marking one of the most significant breakthroughs in Nigeria’s fight against organised kidnapping and violent crime.

3. Decisive crackdown on violent cultism in Rivers State

As Commissioner of Police in Rivers State, Disu led decisive operations against violent cult groups destabilising communities.

4. Cross-border recovery of stolen iPhones

In another high-profile operation, Disu led investigations following the burglary of a major iPhone store in South Africa.Intelligence reports traced the stolen devices to Computer Village in Ikeja, Lagos.

His swift and coordinated response led to their recovery and return, drawing commendation from South African authorities.The operation contributed to Lagos State’s recognition in 2016 by Security Watch Africa as one of Africa’s safest states, while the RRS emerged as the best anti-crime police unit in West Africa.

5. Champion judoka and decorated officer

Beyond policing, Disu is an accomplished judoka with decades of competitive experience.

At the U.S. Open Judo Championship in 2022, he won a silver medal, competing against more than 500 international athletes.He began practising judo in 1986 and has won multiple medals, including two gold medals at the National Sports Festival, as well as honours at the Nigerian Police and Armed Forces Games.

In 2021, he also clinched gold at the Nigerian Police Veterans Championship.

News

DSS Fails to produce El-Rufai in court today

This, therefore, prompted the judge to adjourn the matter till April 23 for the arraignment.

Published

4 hours ago

February 25, 2026

OCHEFA

15 Views

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The arraignment of former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai over alleged cybercrime and national security breach has been shifted to April 23 after the Department of State Services (DSS) failed to produce him in court this morning at the Federal High Court, Abuja.

During the resumed proceeding, the prosecutor, Oluwole Aladejoye informed Justice Joyce Abdulmalik that the defendant was still in the custody of the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Offences Commission ICPC where he is under investigation for alleged misappropriation of funds.‎‎

This therefore prompted the judge to adjourn the matter till April 23 for the arraignment.

‎‎The ex-governor is facing three counts for unlawfully intercepting (or admitting to intercepting with associates) the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu’s phone communications — violating the Cybercrimes Act.

He is also accused of using technical systems to compromise public safety/national security and instilling apprehension, an action that is in breach of the Nigerian Communications Act.

‎‎The charges arise from Mallam El-Rufai’s February 13 interview on Arise News, where he claimed knowledge of intercepted phone communications of the National Security Adviser allegedly used to learn of a planned arrest attempt against him.

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Who was behind Peter Obi’s Assassination Attempt: Was it the APC or within ADC?

Odigie-Oyegun warned that the development could trigger chaos if not checked.“I am afraid that our leaders, both at the centre and in this state, are playing with fire. The consequences could be terrible, much more than any of you expect.

Published

5 hours ago

February 25, 2026

OCHEFA

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Photo: John Odigie-Oyegun, and Peter Obi

Edo State Chairman of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Kennedy Odion, has accused the All Progressives Congress (APC) of having masterminded yesterday’s assassination attempt on Peter Obi Gregory, however, Edo State Commissioner for Information, Kassim Afegbua, attributed the violence to an internal crisis within the African Democratic Congress (ADC) party.

Peter Obi paid a courtesy visit to the former Governor of Edo State, John Odigie-Oyegun- the national Chairman of ADC, when they were attacked by gunmen at Oyegun’s residence in Benin City.

Odion, said : ” We heard APC was coming to attack us. We quickly cut short the event and ended the programme at the Secretariat.

A few minutes after we ended, we heard that thugs stormed the venue. They injured three people… After they scattered the place, they came to Oyegun’s house where we were having another meeting.

All the vehicles parked outside were destroyed…”, said Odion.

On the other hand, Adegbua emphasised : “The crisis has been ongoing. Even yesterday, we had to use the police to quell the crisis… What happened was just the height of it.”

On allegations that Governor Monday Okpebholo had earlier warned Obi against visiting Edo without permission, Afegbua said: “If Peter Obi had informed the governor that he was coming, what happened today would not have happened. The governor would have provided security for him… Thank God nothing happened to Peter Obi.”

Commenting on the attack on his home, Oyegun, said: “We had a guest… the former governor of Anambra and one of the prominent leaders of the ADC, from all indications, an aspirant – former president of the Nigerian Bar Association, NBA, and the LP Edo 2024 governorship candidate, Olumide Akpata into the party,.

“The government here had threatened that if Obi came to Edo State without permission, his security could not be guaranteed.

He was paying a courtesy visit to me and bullets started raining all over the place… When did we degenerate to that kind of level?”

Obi said that no sooner than the leaders of the ADC party had received former president of the Nigerian Bar Association, NBA, and the LP Edo 2024 governorship candidate, Olumide Akpata into the party, than gunmen attacked the facility at Ogbelaka Street, Off Sokponba Road, Benin City, and the residence of the party’s National Leader, Odigie-Oyegun.

Obi, narrating his ordeal, declared: “It is time to speak up. It is time those in government act. They are not going to be there forever. What they allowed to happen in the country today will take its revenge on all of us and the country.”

Eyewitnesses said the attackers, who arrived in an unmarked Sienna bus and on a motorcycle, fired several gunshots and vandalised party property, including chairs, canopies and banners. Some members reportedly sustained injuries.

Not satisfied, the assailants reportedly proceeded to the residence of Odigie-Oyegun on Reservation Road, where more gunshots were heard and vehicles parked near the gate were riddled with bullets. A video circulating online showed damaged vehicles and a gate perforated with bullet holes.

In the video, Obi said: “This is a former governor of the state(Odigie-Oyegun). You can see what happened in front of his house where hoodlums came, shooting.Look at the gate, see the bullet holes at the gate, several cars damaged. That is where our democracy has reached.”

National Coordinator of the Obidient Movement, Yunusa Tanko, alleged that the attackers trailed the leaders from the secretariat.

“The leadership of the ADC is under siege and attack in Benin, Edo State. Armed individuals followed us from the ADC Secretariat to the residence of John Odigie-Oyegun and shot at the gate, destroying several vehicles,” he said.