We can’t be cowed, Soludo vows after beheading of lawmaker in Anambra

• Offers N10m for information on killers
• Umahi accuses politicians of benefiting from insecurity

By Paul Michael, Defence Editor, Abuja

Governor Charles Soludo and the Anambra Police Command have reacted to the gruesome murder of Hon Okechukwu Okoye, a member of the House of Assembly representing Aguata North state Constituency, condemning his killing by his abductors.

Recall that the lawmaker was kidnapped on May 15th to an unknown destination. He was later decapitated by his abductors and his head hung at Chisco park in Amichi community at Idemili North Local Government Area of the State.

Reacting to the ugly incident, Prof Soludo expressed shock and deep sadness over the murder of the lawmaker, who represented his constituency.

In a statement, the Governor consoled his kinsmen of Isuofia, noting that it is probably the same criminal gang that attacked him and killed three policemen at Isuofia two years ago that is once again on the prowl.

“But they can never cow down Isuofia and Anambra state,” he added.

Soludo, who offered a N10 million reward for information to track the killers, vowed that the perpetrators, as well as all criminals operating in Anambra, must be decisively brought to book.

“Anambra will soon be a hell for these criminals,” he assured, giving the assurance of the government’s resolve and renewed determination with the security agencies to go all out against the criminals and ensure they are brought to justice.

While urging Ndi Anambra to brace up for the all-out war against the criminals, he said “Anambra will win against the forces of darkness.”

Similarly, the State’s Commissioner of Police, CP Echeng Echeng in a statement issued on Saturday by the Public Relations Officer, DSP Ikenga Tochukwu, described the act as barbaric and cowardly while assuring that the perpetrators will be brought to book.

“The Commissioner of Police Anambra State Command CP Echeng Echeng has today 21/5/2022 (Saturday) describe the murder of Hon Okechuwu Okoye as barbaric and cowardly.

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“Recall on 15/5/2022, the Command Operatives had earlier embarked on a rescue operation following the incident of his abduction on the same date at about 5:30 pm along Aguluzigbo Umiona, Aguata LGA.

“While the operation is still ongoing, today 21/5/2022 at about 4 pm, a headless body was seen and later recovered by Police along Nnobi, Ideani road. Further information and confirmation, identify the corpse as Hon Okechuwu Okoye. The corpse has been deposited in a morgue.

“The CP while commiserating with the family and friends assures that the perpetrators of this dastardly act shall be brought to book,” the statement said.

Meanwhile, Governor David Umahi of Ebonyi State has accused some politicians in the Southeast of benefiting from the growing insecurity in the region.

Umahi, who spoke during an interview on Channels TV regarding his presidential ambition, noted that the level of insecurity in the country can be addressed region by region.

According to him, “Security is a topical issue in the country and that is what occupies the mind of every Nigerian. This is very key for everybody who wants to be a president, but let me say that the level of insecurity in the country can be addressed region by region.

“First of all, we have to look at the fundamental issue because this issue of insecurity is growing almost every day and people are very scared of their safety. Exactly what’s happening in the Southeast may not be what’s happening in the Northeast, Northwest or Southwest.

“What is to be done is first and foremost is to evaluate the sources of this insecurity. I can tell you frankly that you have a couple of factors like mismanagement; the future is not secured for the young ones. You also have the issue of politics.

“Like in southeast, the level of insecurity is progressive with some political activities. Politicians are benefitting from the insecurity and they keep on encouraging it. And you have a low level of patriotism.

“The moment security is politicized in this country that is when you will see high-security challenges in the country and there is nothing one can do about it without engaging this approach.”

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