A group of non-indigenous residents in Anambra State, under the aegis of Elders and Stakeholders of Non-Indigenes of Anàmbra State (ESONA), has called on Governor Charles Soludo to declare a state of emergency on security in at least 15 out of the 21 Local Government Areas (LGAs) in the state.

According to ESONA, the affected areas include Aguata, Orumba North and South, Ihiala, Awka North and South, Ogbaru, and Nnewi North and South, among others.

The group expressed concern over the rising insecurity in the state, citing the recent abduction of the retired Archbishop Province of the Niger and Bishop Diocese of Nnewi, Most Rev. Prof. Godwin Okpala, in Aguata LGA.

READ ALSO:

Ex-Senate President Lawan assures on well-being of Armed Forces personnel

AfDB to build new headquarters in Abidjan Headquarters

Anioma monarchs endorse move for separate state

ESONA also listed several “no-go” areas across different LGAs, including Ogbunka, Umunze, and Ajali in Orumba North; Ezinifite, Uga, and Umuchu in Aguata; and Ogbe-Ukwu, near Iyiowa, Okoti, and Ogwu-Aniocha in Ogbaru.

The group warned that the state government’s inaction would embolden criminals and undermine the safety of residents.

To address the insecurity, ESONA urged the state government to create joint operations teams comprising personnel from the Armed Forces, Police, Civil Defence, and other security agencies.

The group also called for the deployment of at least 250 joint security groups to the affected areas to ensure the safety of residents during the Yuletide season.