There is tension in Anambra State following a report by the Department of State Services, DSS, on Wednesday, alleging that there was a planned attack on communities in the south east geopolitical zone.
A government official who pleaded anonymity told newsmen that the dreaded herdsmen were Tuesday spotted along Onitsha-Awka Expressway moving into Ukpo town in Dunukofia Local Government Area of Anambra State, adding that there was a heavy presence of the herdsmen within the boundary of Anambra, Imo and Abia states.
Contacted, the commissioner of police in Anambra, Mr Sam Okaula told Vanguard in a telephone interview that the command was well on alert to prevent any insurgence. The commissioner who is the chairman of a committee set up by the state governor, tagged ‘cattle menace committee’ charged with the responsibility of resolving crisis between the Fulani herdsmen and their host communities in the state said the committee was meeting regularly to make sure that lives and property were protected in the state.
Reacting on the issue, the Special Adviser to Governor Willie Obiano on security, prevention and operations, Chief Chikodi Anarah told reporters that Anambra State government had before now, taken proactive measures aimed at averting any eventual attack. “
You know that before now, Governor Willie Obiano had set up ‘cattle menace committee’ headed by the police commissioner which has continued to yield positive results in the past.
“The committee is made up of seven traditional rulers and President Generals of town unions that upon inauguration, reached an agreement with the Fulani herdsmen and the host communities on the amount that would be paid as compensation for lives, property and live stocks on both sides.
“This arrangement has been working till date and against this backdrop, we do not foresee any attack on Anambra State by the herdsmen.”
However, he urged residents in those areas to remain calm and go about their lawful activities without fears as both government and the committee were fully in charge and advised security operatives to be vigilant and report suspecting movements to the nearest police formation in the area.
Read more at: Vanguard News
EmoticonEmoticon