BY JULIET EKWENUGO
Abuja
With three months to the governorship election in Anambra State, the League of Anambra Journalists in Abuja (LAJA) has expressed concern over renewed killings and attacks in parts of the state.
In a statement issued on Thursday and jointly signed by its interim President, Ambassador Ikenna Okonkwo, and Secretary, Princess Ekwi Ajide, described the situation as “deplorable and devastating.”
The journalists acknowledged efforts by the state government to address insecurity but said the persistence of high-profile attacks and killings has continued to raise anxiety among residents.
They cited the recent killing of the son of a senior official of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) in Awka, and the reported assassination of an All Progressives Congress (APC) ward chairman in Nri, Anaocha Local Government Area, as examples of a disturbing trend.
“Not so long ago, Anambra State was noted as peaceful. The intervention of the current administration of Governor Chukwuma Soludo had offered hope, but the resurgence of violent activities by non-state actors has again put residents at the edge”.
The group called on the state government to strengthen its security strategy through modern equipment, technology-driven operations, and improved welfare for security personnel, alongside community engagement.
LAJA also commended the swift dismissal of security operatives who assaulted a corps member recently, but urged authorities to adopt preventive measures to avoid such incidents.
The journalists further appealed to politicians and the electorate to shun violence in the build-up to the 2025 governorship election.
