By David Onwuchekwa
A fresh wave of violent killings in Anambra State has reopened long-standing concerns about the State’s security architecture, prompting renewed calls for a radical shift in the way the State confronts crime.
Leading the charge is Chief John Chuma Nwosu, the African Democratic Congress (ADC) governorship candidate in the November 8 election, who says Anambra must urgently embrace modern, technology-driven policing, if it hopes to reclaim safety and public confidence.
The weekend’s incidents, described by many residents as both shocking and exhausting, reportedly left no fewer than six people dead in separate attacks.
In Lilu, Ihiala Local Government Area, a church minister was reportedly murdered and his home set ablaze, a development that sent ripples of grief through the quiet community.
In another gruesome episode at Afor Nawfia in Njikoka Local Government Area, a trending video on Sunday captured the bodies of at least four victims which the police confirmed, all killed by gunmen yet to be arrested as of the time of doing this report.
For Nwosu, these attacks are not isolated tragedies but symptoms of a deeper, persistent security failure. He said the string of killings highlights the fragility of the State’s current approach, which he described as overstretched, inadequate, and no longer equipped to contend with the sophistication of modern criminal networks.
“The news is shocking and distressing. The rising crime rate across Anambra is alarming, and it has become increasingly evident that Governor Soludo’s current security framework is overstretched and ineffective, ”Nwosu said in a statement.
He urged residents to remain vigilant and cooperative with security agencies but insisted that the events demand more than routine responses, adding that they require a fundamental redesign of the State’s security system.
According to him, a modern Anambra must rely on high-tech monitoring tools, faster communication systems, and intelligence-rich data platforms capable of predicting and preventing attacks.
“Anambra must embrace modern, technology-driven security solutions, including real-time surveillance systems, advanced communication networks, and data-driven early-warning tools, to prevent threats and enable rapid response when they occur,” he said.
Nwosu emphasized that his long-publicized security blueprint offers a feasible and forward-looking alternative. He appealed to Governor Soludo to study and adopt the model, saying the time for experimentation is over.
“We must establish a functional command-and-control centre, deploy drones, and install AI-enabled facial recognition cameras across the State. Technology is the future,” he added.
As families mourn and communities grapple with fear, the debate over how best to secure Anambra is likely to intensify. What remains clear is that the violence has once again thrust security to the centre of political and public discourse, fueling expectations that bold, innovative action is no longer optional but urgent.
