6 Days To Anambra Poll, Residents Flee Over Rising Insecurity – Newstrends
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6 Days To Anambra Poll, Residents Flee Over Rising Insecurity

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3 years ago

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A mass exodus of residents has hit Anambra State following the increasing level of violence ahead of the governorship election coming up in the state on Saturday.

Meanwhile, the popular Eke-Awka market in Awka, the state capital, was thrown into serious pandemonium yesterday following a clash between rival cult groups during which two of their members were killed and many others sustained bullet wounds and machete cuts.

LEADERSHIP gathered that traders and their customers fled as gunfire rented the air in the market. Two youths were shot dead at the Gbalingba area of the market, with some of the cult members pursuing one another with guns, axes and machetes.

LEADERSHIP gathered that parts of the state mostly hit by the mass exit of people are the major town, including Awka, Onitsha, Nnewi, Ekwulobia and Ihiala.

It was learnt that most of the hotels in parts of Enugu State, especially, Enugu, the state capital, and Nsukka, the university town, are fully taken up by people running away from Anambra State ahead of the governorship election.

Some people are also relocating to nearby Asaba in Delta State to take up temporary refuge.

LEADERSHIP learnt that many non-natives of Anambra are relocating to their village to return after the election.

“Many people leaving with us here in Awada, they have travelled. Since yesterday (Saturday) people have been travelling because many people have been killed. On Friday they killed P and T; he is the owner of P and T Block Industry. We are also planning to travel to the village, to stay there until after the election”, a resident of Awada, an Onitsha suburb town of Obosi, Idemili South local government told LEADERSHIP.

As a result of insecurity, between 7:30pm and 8pm most of the streets in major cities, especially in Awka, would be empty of activities as most residents retire to their homes to stay out of harm’s way.

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Gates have been mounted on entry and exit points of virtually all the streets in Awka, and they are usually locked from 10pm.

When contacted, spokesman of the Anambra State Police Command, DSP Ikenga Toochukwu, urged those leaving the state out of fear to come back as he assured them that the command was prepared to provide adequate security before, during, and after the governorship election.

“Those who are leaving the state are actually acting based on speculation. I can assure you that we are on top of the situation. People should stop panicking; they should rather give information to the police concerning criminal elements, and acts of criminality.

“As for the killings you said that happened at Eke Awka market, I am yet to get the details”, the state police imagemaker told LEADERSHIP on phone.

From Abuja, Nigeria Police Force assured the people of Anambra State that the police were prepared to safeguard the citizens of the state before, during and after the elections.

Speaking to LEADERSHIP on phone last night, Force spokesman, CP Frank Mba, told Anambra people to be assured that the police will protect them as they had done.

He also said the police had foiled several attacks by unknown gunmen and there was no need for the voters to fear.

And worried by the escalating security crisis in the South East, traditional and religious leaders from the zone have urged the federal government and other stakeholders to explore dialogue and negotiation to speed up de-escalation of insecurity and dislocation of the region.

The leaders also urged government to take immediate steps to de-proscribe the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) and release its leader, Nnamdi Kanu and all IPOB members being held in various detention facilities in Nigeria.

In a joint statement by the leaders in the region, they assured Igbo youths that they are concerned about their cries of marginalisation, injustice and longsuffering, just as they urged them to de-escalate the tension and remain law-abiding to enable them engage the federal government in finding a lasting solution to the crisis.

They further urged IPOB not to do anything that would hinder the smooth conduct of the forthcoming governorship election in Anambra State just as they asked them to cancel all scheduled sit-at-home orders, saying they had caused untold hardship to the people.

The statement was jointly signed by chairman, South East Council of Traditional Rulers, H.M. Igwe Charles Mkpuma who also doubles as chairman, Ebonyi State Traditional Rulers Council; and his counterparts in Abia, H.M. Eze Joseph N. Nwabeke; Anambra, H.M. Obi Nnaemeka Achebe; Enugu, H.M. Igwe L.O.C. Agubuzu; and Imo, H.M. Eze Dr E.C. Okeke;

Others are Most Rev. Dr. Anthony J. V. Obinna, Catholic Archbishop of Owerri; Most Rev. Dr Emmanuel O. Chukwuma, Anglican Archbishop of Enugu; Most Rev. Dr. Chibuzo R. Opoko, Methodist Archbishop of Umuahia; Most Rev. Dr. Valerian M. Okeke, Catholic Archbishop of Onitsha.

Others are Most Rev. Dr Uma A. Onwunta, Past Principal Clerk, Presbyterian Church Nigeria; Bishop Obi Onubogu, Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria; and Rev. Dr. Abraham Nwali, chairman, Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), South East Zone.

The leaders, who noted that the security crisis has deepened the hardships being faced by the citizens and rendered prostrate the socio-political and economic lives of the people, requested audience with President Muhammadu Buhari to discuss possible political solutions to secure the release of IPOB leader Kanu and other security issues in the region.

The statement reads in part: “We, the South East Council of Traditional Rulers and the Representatives of Igbo Archbishops and Bishops, note with deep concern the high level of insecurity and socio-economic disruption in the South East Zone of Nigeria. This has deepened the hardships being faced by the citizens and rendered prostrate the socio-political and economic lives of our people.

“Flowing from similar initiatives taken to bring peace to other troubled parts of the country, we urge the federal government and other stakeholders to explore dialogue and negotiation in resolving critical issues that threaten national unity, cohesion and development.

“Accordingly, we refer to our earlier request for the release of Mazi Nnamdi Kanu to the South East Council of Traditional Rulers and the Representatives of Igbo Archbishops and Bishops, and restate this call even more strongly.

“We are of the firm belief that this act of courage and statesmanship is not only imperative but will speedily de-escalate the heightened state of insecurity and dislocation in the South East Zone.

“We also urge President Muhammadu Buhari and the federal government to take immediate steps to de-proscribe the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) and release all IPOB members being held in various detention facilities in Nigeria.

“We call on the federal government to take urgent steps to demilitarize the South East Zone, more so as it has become apparent that a continued military siege on the region can only lead to heightened tension, skirmishes and endless bloodletting between the security agencies and our youths. It has become urgent, imperative and compelling to de-emphasize the military option and move towards finding a political solution that will lead to sustainable peace.”

The South East traditional and religious leaders noted that heightened inequality and marginalization remain at the core of youth restiveness in the region.

They went on: “We urge our apex national leadership to note that until it takes deliberate steps to run government on the basis of fairness, equity, justice and non-discrimination, this restiveness is likely to continue.”

They assured the region’s youths that their cries of marginalization, injustice and longsuffering had been heard, but that they should de-escalate the tension and remain law-abiding to enable the leaders engage especially the federal government towards finding a lasting solution to the crisis.

This is just as they called on the candidates in the forthcoming Anambra State governorship election to eschew violence and commit to free, fair and credible election.

Yiaga Africa Urges INEC To Distribute PVCs To New Voters

Meanwhile, an independent election observer group, Yiaga Africa, has urged the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to commence the distribution of Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) to new registrants ahead of the governorship election in Anambra.

Director of programmes, Yiaga Africa, Cynthia Mbamalu, made the call in the fourth Watching the Vote (WTV) pre-election report in Awka yesterday.

Mbamalu said: “Yiaga commends INEC for its efforts to distribute the PVCs from previous registrations.

“However, we are worried that, with less than few days to the election, the commission has yet to commence distribution of the PVCs to the 76,104 newly eligible voters.

“These are voters who recently got registered during the Continuous Voters Registration (CVR) in the state. This, if not addressed, could potentially disenfranchise eligible voters.”

Mbamalu noted that insecurity had continued to remain a major threat to the election.

According to her, the current situation of insecurity in the state had hindered political party campaigns, voter education and mobilisation as stakeholders continue to deploy more caution.

She urged election stakeholders to continue to show determination to ensure credible and peaceful conduct of the election.

“Security agencies should partner civil society organisations to promote activities and initiatives that would increase citizens’ confidence and encourage participation in the election.

“Political party candidates and supporters should ensure they promote a peaceful election and encourage citizens to collect their PVCs to vote.

“And the citizens should understand that voting in elections is the legitimate means of making citizens’ voices heard as well as voting in desirable leaders,” she said.

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EKEDC blames faulty transmission lines for poor power supply in Lagos

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13 hours ago

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March 10, 2025

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EKEDC blames faulty transmission lines for poor power supply in Lagos

Lagos residents have been grappling with persistent power outages as the Eko Electricity Distribution Company (EKEDC) on Monday attributed the situation to faults on the 330kV transmission lines supplying power to the region.

In a statement signed by EKEDC, the company explained that the reduced power allocation from its partners at the Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) has led to load-shedding across its network.

“This is to kindly update you that we are still experiencing reduced power allocation from our TCN partners due to faults on the 330kV lines feeding the Lagos region,” EKEDC said.

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The company assured customers that efforts are underway to restore normal supply in collaboration with TCN and other stakeholders.

“Rest assured that we are taking all necessary steps to address the situation as we work closely with TCN and other partners to resolve the issue and ensure a more stable power supply soonest.”

Lagos has been experiencing erratic power supply since last week, with many residents expressing frustration over the prolonged outages.

The statement, however, did not specify a timeline for full restoration, leaving many Lagosians uncertain about when they can expect improved electricity supply.

EKEDC blames faulty transmission lines for poor power supply in Lagos

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BREAKING: Rivers Assembly issues warrant of arrest on RISIEC chairman

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13 hours ago

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March 10, 2025

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Chairman of the Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission (RSIEC), Justice Adolphus Enebeli (rtd)

BREAKING: Rivers Assembly issues warrant of arrest on RISIEC chairman

The Rivers State House of Assembly has issued a warrant of arrest on the Chairman of the Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission (RSIEC), Justice Adolphus Enebeli (rtd) following his refusal to appear before the lawmakers.

The arrest warrant was issued on Monday by the lawmakers during a plenary after the 72-hour ultimatum they gave to Enebeli expired.

The lawmakers on Friday last week renewed the ultimatum from 48 hours to 72 to enable the RISIEC boss appear on the floor of the House to answer questions on the circumstances that surrounded the nullified October 2024 local government elections.

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Enebeli was expected to appear alongside other RISIEC commissioners, but failed to do so.

The RISIEC boss and his commissioners, however, filed a suit at the State High Court challenging the resolutions of the lawmakers.

BREAKING: Rivers Assembly issues warrant of arrest on RISIEC chairman

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Tension in Oyo as residents protest 23-day curfew for Alaafin’s traditional rites

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13 hours ago

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March 10, 2025

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Newly appointed Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Akeem Abimbola Owoade

Tension in Oyo as residents protest 23-day curfew for Alaafin’s traditional rites

There is palpable tension in the ancient town of Oyo as residents react to the 23-day curfew announced by Rotimi Osuntola, Chief of Staff to the newly appointed Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Akeem Abimbola Owoade.

The curfew, which follows the commencement of Oro Ipebi, is part of the traditional rites leading up to the formal ascension of the Alaafin.

However, the timing of the curfew, which comes just six days into the Ramadan fast, has sparked criticism from Islamic scholars, legal practitioners, and academics. Some have described the decision as insensitive and an infringement on religious and human rights.

A former Amir of the Muslim Students Society of Nigeria (MSSN), Professor Taofiq Yekini, strongly condemned the move, calling it an “invitation to crisis.” He criticized the timing, stating that it disrupts essential religious activities during Ramadan.

“It is insensitive. The issue of the rites to the throne was delayed to the period of Ramadan when we knew that the period of Ramadan, morning and night, are usually characterised by activities. Then you are now imposing a curfew at the period when you know that the Muslims will be busy morning and night throughout this period, that is insensitivity. It is insensitivity on the part of the people that declared it and even the government for allowing such to stay.

So, if the Muslims now react, they will be blaming the Muslims. We want the general public to know that this is an invitation to crisis. That is what they are calling for,” he said.

Dr. Mikail Abdulsalam, a lecturer in the Department of Arabic and Islamic Studies at the University of Ibadan, expressed concerns that the curfew could lead to religious conflict if not addressed. He emphasized that restricting movement in the name of traditional rites is a violation of human rights.

“The imposition of curfew is a violation of human rights. Declaring a curfew in the name of the appointment of a new king or traditional rites for the new king is a violation of human rights. It is quite unfortunate that no single human rights advocate has ever condemned this. If it is the Muslims that did this, some people will say it is anti-people.

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“Why will they tell people not to move between 8pm and 5am when some people may need urgent medical attention?

“That is a prime time for some people to do their businesses. So, declaring curfew in the name of traditional rites is a violation of human rights. We are civilized beyond all these things and it is barbaric. It is unconstitutional. You cannot say because someone wants to become king, people should not go out, who is he going to rule?

“Painfully, no one is condemning it, the security agencies, the state and local governments are not saying anything about it. Why is it that a single entity is declaring curfew when we have the government?

“Muslims need to go out and observe Solat Ishai and that will be affected, and if this is not taken seriously, it can lead to religious conflicts. I am at liberty to go out at that time to pray under the Nigerian constitution, so, I have never for once infringed on other people’s rights and you are telling me not to go, so, it is an infringement on my right; it may lead to religious conflicts, go and write it down. If it does not happen today, it will happen somewhere in Yoruba land if they continue like this.

“It is like gunpowder, it is going to blow one day. If people say that they want to go out and pray and you see some people saying they should arrest them, then it can lead to conflicts.” he said

Dr. Sulaiman Adewale Alagunfon, an Islamic scholar and Director of the Academy of Arabic and Islamic Studies, Ibadan, described the situation as a test from Allah. He urged Muslims in Oyo to remain steadfast despite the restrictions.

“This situation serves as a test of our Islamic faith and reveals where the new king truly stands. For a purported ‘Muslim’ king to declare and enforce such anti-Islamic measures, citing ‘traditional rites’ during this sacred month, clearly highlights his true allegiance. As we have observed throughout his nomination, it has become evident that he does not genuinely adhere to Islam, even though he retains his Muslim name as a façade.

“This singular act demonstrates his opposition to Islam and the Muslim community. If he were truly observing the fast and fulfilling his Islamic obligations as a Muslim, he would understand the profound disrespect it shows to the feelings of Muslims to restrict movement during a month when the ‘nights’ hold great significance for our faith. He would recognize that night prayers, such as Tarawih, Tahajjud, and Laylat al-Qadr, as well as Sahur, are essential practices that require Muslims to move from one place to another during the nights of Ramadan for various reasons.

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“I urge the Muslims in Oyo Town to remain steadfast and committed to their acts of worship during this holy month of Ramadan. The imposition of a curfew should be viewed as a test from Allah, who wants to see how dedicated Muslims can be in challenging circumstances,” he stated.

An Ibadan-based lawyer, Barrister Abiodun Amole, condemned the curfew as unconstitutional and unjustifiable. He argued that the curfew violates Section 41(1) of the 1999 Constitution, which guarantees the right to freedom of movement.

“Without mincing words, the declaration of a 23-day curfew in the ancient town of Oyo under the guise of performing Ipebi rites is a gross violation of the spirit and letter of Section of Section 41(1) of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (as amended) which guarantees citizens’ right to freedom of movement.

“The so-called curfew is extra-constitutional, unilateral, inconsiderate and unjustifiable to say the least. Section 41(1) of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (as amended) expressly provides thus: ‘Every citizen of Nigeria is entitled to move freely throughout Nigeria and to reside in any part thereof, and no citizen of Nigeria shall be expelled from Nigeria or refused entry thereto or exit therefrom’.

“Furthermore, the purported curfew is also contrary to Article 13(1) of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights adopted by the United Nations on 10th December, 1948 and Article 12 (1) of the African Charter On Human and Peoples’ Rights. Article 13(1) of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights states thus: ‘Everyone has the right to freedom of movement and residence within the borders of each state’.

“In a similar vein, Article 12(1) of the African Charter On Human and Peoples’ Rights provides that: ‘Every individual shall have the right to freedom of movement and residence within the borders of a State provided he abides by the law’. Having regard to the above clear provisions of the grundnorm and the two treaties to which the Federal Republic of Nigeria is a signatory, the scenario currently playing out in Oyo town amounts to sheer illegality.

“Any traditional rites that infringe on citizens’ rights in any way or manner whatsoever cannot stand in a democratic society where the rule of law is sacrosanct.” Amole argued.

Dr. Bayonle Busari, a lecturer at Lead City University, warned that if the curfew is not reviewed, it may lead to a breakdown of law and order. He emphasized that the situation must be handled carefully to avoid rebellion.

“There is the need to handle the coronation rites with caution so as not to make living difficult for the subjects who Kabiyesi will rule over. There may be an obvious clash between tradition and the right to free movement and religion, which the constitution guarantees as inalienable.

“The period coincides with the fasting month of both Muslims and Christians who form the larger percentage of the indigenes and residents of the ancient town.

“Not only this, Oyo town is a corridor for those who commute between the north and south of the country, and the restriction will obviously curtail their movement.

“I think, in view of the prevailing time, the restriction could be reviewed in a way that will not lead to a probable rebellion and breakdown of law and order.”

 

Tension in Oyo as residents protest 23-day curfew for Alaafin’s traditional rites

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