To ensure that the people of Anambra State, in Southeast Nigeria enjoy this year’s Christmas without any breach of security, the Nigerian military has deployed soldiers to Nimo community to contain the activities of criminals in the area.
Recall that Anambra State has witnessed rising insecurity caused by gunmen camped in the forests of Nimo, in Njikoka Local Government Area.
As a result, thereof, the community experienced frequent kidnappings and killings, particularly along the Nimo-Neni Road. A situation that caused many of the residents to flee the community.
However, to ensure that the people of Nimo in Njikoka LGA enjoyed this year’s festivities in peace, the military has deployed soldiers to the area.
According to sources, the Igwe-in-Council has thrown their support to the military deployment in the area.
They maintained that the soldiers are there to safeguard residents and visitors returning for the Christmas celebrations.
The soldiers now patrol the community round the clock for forestall any breakdown of security in the area.
However, the youths in the community have raised concern that the soldiers were deployed to target them.
But addressing the concerns, the palace security coordinator, Stephen Gbulie, clarified that the military presence was solely for community security. He clarified that the soldiers do not mount checkpoints or harass residents.
He said, “The military was brought in because of the escalating insecurity in Nimo. Where unknown gunmen have camped and launched attacks and kidnappings. This decision was made collectively by the elders of the community, not solely by our traditional ruler, Igwe Maxi Ike Oliobi.”
Gbulie recounted recent incidents, including an attack on one Sunday Olisa, who was shot while fleeing the gunmen. In another case, a resident was kidnapped at Egbengwu Nimo and released only after paying a ₦7 million ransom. The gunmen have also issued written threats, including one to a South Africa-based indigene, demanding that he purchase firearms for them or risk his family home being set ablaze.
“With Christmas approaching, our sons and daughters in the Diaspora were already returning. But many had to flee again due to the insecurity. The deployment of soldiers is aimed at ensuring a peaceful and secure celebration for everyone,” Gbulie added.
The Palace Coordinator noted that the community leadership has also reported the situation to the Anambra State Government and security agencies. Acknowledging their limited capacity to tackle such heavily armed criminals.
“The Igwe-in-Council remains committed to restoring peace and safety in Nimo,” he noted.
Gbulie, therefore, urged residents of the community to cooperate with the security personnel and report suspicious activities.
source: Vanguard
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