Threat of attack: Tension grips Anambra community

• Police to deploy new strategy to fight crime, reduce attacks in S’East
• Troops clear alleged IPOB/ESN enclave, capture cache of arms, ammunition

There is tension across communities in Anambra State following a threat, issued by some unknown persons, to attack 10 local councils in the state any time.

A letter sent to the council areas by an anonymous group, warned security operatives to get ready for action in ‘Biafra Land.’

The group, in its letter, listed the council areas to be attacked as Ihiala, Aguata, Awka North, Nnewi South, Awka South, Idemili North, Idemili South, Orumba North, Orumba South and Anambra East.

“These local councils should wait for us soon. We are warning the governor that it is time for action and not time to speak big grammar. All the security men in the areas should get ready for action.

“Go and tell the President to release our oga (boss), Mazi Nnamdi Kanu or face continuous war. This is the final warning,” the letter read.

Reacting to the threat, the state government assured the people and residents of their safety and protection, saying that security agencies are working round the clock to maintain law and order.

A statement signed by Governor Chukwuma Soludo’s Chief Press Secretary, Christian Aburime, yesterday, said the anonymous letter, no doubt, is intended to create tension and fear among the peace loving people of the state.

He urged the people to remain calm and law-abiding, as government would soon restore normalcy.

Meanwhile, the Inspector General of Police (IGP), Usman Alkali Baba, has disclosed that the Nigerian Police force (NPC) will be deploying new strategies to reduce attacks in the South East, and equally secure the country.

The Deputy Inspector General in-charge of Research and Planning, John Amadi, made the disclosure, yesterday, while in Anambra to honor departed colleague, DIG Joseph Egbunike and other police personnel, who lost their lives in the line of duty.

Amadi, who represented the IGP, explained that the force was coming up with new strategies, including taking the battle to the criminals, warning that the era of senior officers giving orders from their offices were over.

The IGP said his management team is doing everything possible to secure the country and provide enabling environment for people to go about their lawful businesses.

He said: “Here in Anambra, the CP and his team are doing everything possible to ensure that these incidences of unknown gunmen are reduced to the barest minimum.”

IN another development, troops of 34 Brigade, Nigerian Army (NA), have discovered a cache of arms and ammunition, suspected to belong to elements of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) and its armed affiliate, Eastern Security Network (ESN), after a gun battle at Amaifeke, Akkatta road, in Orlu Local Council of Imo State.

Army spokesman, Brig. General Onyema Nwachukwu, said the firearms and ammunition were recovered during troops’ operations to clear separatists’ hideouts in the area.

“Troops uncovered the weapons, concealed in a black Toyota Camry, after they were successfully surmounted. Ambushes staged by members of the outlawed group, who, having been overpowered by the gallant troops, abandoned their vehicle and weapons in the heat of the combat and fled the scene.

“After a thorough search, the troops recovered ten pump action, shotguns, seven locally fabricated guns, one locally made revolver pistol, eighty live cartridges, one baofeng radio and substance suspected to be gun powder.” (The Guardian)