Vanguard Newspaper publication of July 27, 2014 placed the number of ‘high profile’ kidnappings in Anambra for two years at over two hundred [200] with over 1billion paid to kidnappers as ransom. With nearly an estimated N900million in monthly security votes collected by the Peter Obi administration.
So far, there have been numerous false allegations against the Governor over the monthly security vote. But for the sake of the gullible few, it is necessary the picture be painted clearer for clean understanding of what had transpired in Anambra from the days of Peter Obi administration to the present Obiano administration – with respect to security and safety of her people and business investments.
It is truly clear and undeniable the amazing transformation of the notorious Upper Iweka in Onitsha, which host kidnapping, Robbery, Thieves, and other forms of attacks. This exposes travelers to serious thefts, but with the advent of the current administration, this situation have been taken care of through the vision of Obiano administration.
The following personalities were kidnapped and ransom paid:-
Traditional Ruler of Ukpo – Igwe Robert Eze paid N100m
Traditional Ruler of Abagana – Igwe Patrick Okeke
Traditional Ruler of Adazi Nnukwu – Igwe Lawrence Oragwu
Traditional Ruler of Ihembosi – Igwe Jerome
UdechukwuChike C. Okoli – Commissioner of Science and Technology [Peter Obi administration]. He was never found.
Charles Chukwuma Soludo’s fatherDr. Chidi Nweke – former deputy governor of Anambra. He was killed after a ransom of N5m was collected
Ken Emeakayi – factional PDP State Chairman Anambra
Iroko, Nnewi Auto parts dealers chairman
Ernest Obiorah – Nnewi North LGA ChairmanDr. Emeka Aniebonam – State Assembly member Anambra
Tony Obi – Chairman Emeka Offor Foundation
Sister to Orange Drugs CEO [Chief Ekenna] – paid N50m ransom
Brother to G.U.O. Okeke – paid N35m
Chief James Iloenyisi [80yrs] father of Super Eagles player [Chikelue Iloenyisi]. He was killed after collecting ransom of N1.5m
Madam Adafor Madueke [89yrs] – Adazi AniNdubusi Nwobu – former Action Congress State Chairman, AnambraChief Leonard Uchendu – gubernatorial candidate [NNPP]
Pete Edochie – nollywood legend. Ransom paid by Peter ObiMother to MD of GreenLife Pharmaceuticals [Chief Ebele Nwosu]
Failed kidnap of Chisom Nwoye – wife to former state assembly member. Her daughter was shot dead by the kidnappers.
These were a few of the litany of kidnappings that were bedeviling the state of Anambra during the administration of the previous governor. Security and safety of persons and property were at its lowest ebb. Campaign for Democracy [CD], a non governmental organization placed the amount earned by the kidnap industry at the time at N750million per year. The report placed the occurrences of kidnappings in Anambra at the highest in the nation at 273 – with each kidnap victim averaging at about N20million to 30million ransom.
The scourge of kidnapping defeated the Peter Obi administration. They exhausted virtually the entire solutions they had at their disposal but failed. Businesses and families were relocating out of Anambra in droves.
It appeared bleak until the arrival of the Obiano administration.
The new Governor took little time to put a choke hold on the menace.The menace was halted. He returned safety back to the streets of Awka, Nnewi, Onitsha, Ekwulobia and other communities. Gradually the businesses that relocated to Asaba, Enugu and other locations began to return to Anambra. It became nirvana again.
To add muster, the present administration launched a comprehensive street lighting program to light up the streets of the major towns in Anambra – starting from the State capital, Awka.
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