By Titus Maduako Eleweke
The return of normalcy and improved security in Anambra State is becoming a source of great joy and celebration. For some time, cultism, kidnapping, and other violent crimes dominated the headlines, instilling fear in Ndi Anambra and discouraging many from returning home for festivals and celebrations.
However, the tide is turning. Proud sons and daughters of Anambra are regaining confidence in the safety of their homeland. Increasingly, people are now coming home for weddings, burial ceremonies, and other events that were once deemed too risky to attend.
The efforts of the current Commissioner of Police, CP Ikioye Orutugu, have played a pivotal role in this transformation. Since assuming office earlier this year, CP Orutugu has significantly reduced the climate of fear, fostering trust and cordial relationships between civilians and security personnel.
Upon his arrival, reports of kidnapping, killings, armed robbery, and cult-related violence were almost a daily occurrence. Today, these incidents have declined, and normal life,especially nightlife, previously considered dangerous is gradually returning.
CP Orutugu initiated a grassroots approach to policing by visiting communities across the state and engaging residents in dialogue. He emphasized the importance of police-community partnership and urged the public to provide timely and credible information to help combat crime. Communities responded positively, and this collaboration has yielded tangible results. There is now growing public confidence in the security forces, and citizens are more willing to volunteer valuable intelligence.
A clear indicator of this progress is the gradual fading of the Monday sit-at-home order. Once rigidly observed in many parts of the state due to security fears, the streets of Onitsha and Nnewi, formerly ghost towns on Mondays are now bustling again, with traders and workers fully resuming activities.
However, some residents still treat Mondays as rest days, psychologically stuck in past fears. CP Orutugu has repeatedly urged these individuals to resume their businesses, reminding them that Anambra is a state known for its enterprise and industrious people. "Sitting at home is not only unproductive but detrimental to our economy," he often says.
He also expressed concern that criminal elements have exploited the Biafran agitation to commit atrocities. While acknowledging that the ideology of IPOB may not simply disappear, he condemned its misuse for violent ends by some criminal elements.
"When they kill 20 people in Anambra State, chances are that 15 of them are their brothers and sisters,"
. "This is the time for us to think about saving our people, not destroying them."he said .
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s recent visit to Anambra was symbolic of the positive change in the state. Although the visit was initially met with speculation and apprehension, it turned out to be a strong endorsement of the efforts of security forces and a celebration of national unity.
Governor Charles Soludo and President Tinubu’s show of camaraderie underscored the importance of unity in diversity. CP Orutugu described the successful hosting of an APC president by an APGA-led government as a step forward for inter-party cooperation and peaceful coexistence. "We are brothers and sisters before political affiliations," he stated.
The CP also lauded the coordinated efforts of the military, Navy, civil defense, road safety corps, immigration, correctional services, and local vigilante groups, all of whom have played vital roles in stabilizing the state's security .He especially praised the people of Anambra for their cooperation, noting that without community engagement, security operatives would have achieved little.
"I want to sincerely thank all the sister security agencies and the vigilantes for complementing the efforts of the police in fighting crime. These agencies have done remarkably well," he said.
Thanks to these collective efforts, life has returned to normal in Anambra. High-profile individuals who previously hosted weddings and burials outside the state due to security concerns are now choosing to celebrate in their hometowns. This resurgence in social activities is a testament to the effective security measures under CP Orutugu’s leadership.
Another notable achievement is the revival of nightlife in Awka, Onitsha, Nnewi, and other towns. Residents now frequent clubs and social gatherings without fear of harassment or violence. "Anambra State is safe and secure," "The perception from outside is quite different from the reality on the ground."Orutugu declared.
He expressed deep gratitude to Governor Soludo for the unwavering support given to security agencies, which has been instrumental in the state's improving security landscape.
However, CP Orutugu highlighted one significant challenge, the acute shortage of operational vehicles within the Anambra State Police Command. In many cases, the CP has had to use his personal operational vehicle as his official one. He appealed to the state and federal governments, as well as well-meaning individuals, to assist in providing logistics support, especially vehicles, to aid mobility and enhance response times.
"Anambra is rising, and we all must join hands with the police and government to sustain the state's rightful status as the 'Light of the Nation,'" he said.
Titus Maduako Eleweke is a journalist and publisher based in Anambra State.
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