Insecurity: Residents Wants Soldiers In Nnewi

The residents of  Nnewi in Anambra  have appealed to President Goodluck Jonathan to authorise soldiers to take-over the security of  the town and its environs.

Our correspondent  learnt that Nnewi community and  its environs were shut down for a 24 hours protest Wednesday over rising spate of kidnapping and insecurity.

This is the second time within a year that a mammoth crowd of over 10,000 would besiege the industrial community of Nnewi and its environs for a protest against insecurity.

The current protest was sequel to a joint resolution by stakeholders in Nnewi community and its environs involving the town unions leadership, bankers’ committee, traders, the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) and the Nigerian Medical Association.

Chief Charles Onyeka, acting under the aegis of Concerned Nnewi Stakeholders Forum (CNSF), issued a three-page petition, which was jointly signed by  the presidents of other stakeholder bodies.

The statement urged the president to deploy soldiers to the area in view of the apparent failure of the police to bring  the situation under control. It said that the rescue of those still under the custody of the kidnappers should be made a national rescue project using the military and its intelligence.

The statement noted that robbery and kidnapping have become rampant as between 15 and 20 persons are abducted weekly and 15 persons had died in the custody of the kidnappers in the last few months.

It stated: “In spite of  huge logistical support from our bodies and the state government to the police and other sister security agencies in the state, not much appears to have been achieved.”

“Just as it was done recently in Abia State, we suspect that all the criminals chased out of Aba, relocated and found safe haven in Anambra, where they believe there is huge easy cash.”

“Some 300 first class professionals and industrialists of diverse callings have relocated out of Nnewi in the last few months with their families.”