The Governor of Anambra State, Chukwuma Soludo, has declared war against street urchins in Onitsha, the commercial city of the state.
Governor Soludo made the declaration on Saturday, when he attended the Ofala Festival of the monarch of Onitsha Ancient Kingdom, Obi Alfred Nnaemeka Achebe, who is popularly addressed as Agbogidi.
Addressing Onitsha indigenes, Soludo noted that what used to be known as Greater Onitsha, which comprised five local government areas in today’s Anambra, used to be the very cradle of Igbo civilisation, and that for Igbo land to move forward, Onitsha must first experience it.
Soludo said, “We extend our best wishes to Agbogidi on the occasion of this year’s Ofala Festival, marking his 22nd anniversary on the throne. I appreciate the way Onitsha people showcase the Onitsha Ofala; it is a valuable cultural tradition.
“Onitsha represents the cornerstone of Igbo culture, and for Igbo society to make progress, Onitsha must make progress. This is why we are committed to revitalizing the city, which is renowned as the major Igbo urban center.”
Furthermore, Governor Soludo affirmed the government’s determination to eradicate thugs and criminals in Onitsha, and announced an impending operation to address this issue, ensuring enhanced security in the city.
He stated, “In the coming weeks, a significant security operation will be launched in Onitsha to deal with this situation.”