Rising Wave of Kidnappings and Killings in Anambra Sparks Outcry as FENRAD Rights Group Demands Security System Overhaul

 

A growing wave of violent crimes, including kidnappings, cult-related killings, and targeted attacks, is unsettling Anambra State, drawing urgent calls for reform from human rights and advocacy groups. The Foundation for Environmental Rights, Advocacy and Development (FENRAD) has voiced deep concern about what it described as an alarming escalation of insecurity threatening both rural and urban areas across the southeastern state.

Reports from various communities have painted a troubling picture. Locales such as Nibo, Abatete, Ihiala, Awka, and many parts of Anambra South have witnessed an uptick in violent incidents, many of which have led to the loss of lives, widespread fear, and a near-paralysis of routine economic and social activities.

The Executive Director of FENRAD, Comrade Nelson Nnanna Nwafor, issued a strongly worded statement highlighting the depth of the crisis and the urgent need for immediate and structured intervention. He pointed to several horrifying incidents, including a mass killing that occurred during a traditional festival in Nibo. The attack shocked the local population, leaving families devastated and communities on edge. According to him, that singular incident underscored how exposed civilians have become to the growing threat of organized violence.

Not only have residents been affected, but the wave of insecurity has also touched high-profile individuals, students, and daily commuters. Abductions targeting professionals and political figures, as well as indiscriminate violence impacting travelers, have turned what was once a bustling region into an area of intense anxiety. These acts, according to FENRAD, signify more than isolated criminal episodes; they reveal deep-rooted vulnerabilities in the state’s internal security framework.

FENRAD acknowledged that the Anambra State Government has not been entirely passive in the face of these threats. It commended certain proactive initiatives, such as the introduction of Operation Udo Ga-Achi and the recent enactment of the Anambra Homeland Security Law 2025. These efforts, Nwafor noted, represent a growing awareness among state authorities about the scope of the challenge.

Still, he warned that such measures, though well-intentioned, fall short of addressing the structural and operational inefficiencies embedded within the current security system. According to him, the real solution lies in a more far-reaching overhaul, beginning with a review of the state’s entire security architecture.

One of the core areas FENRAD believes requires attention is the structure of community policing. Nwafor criticized what he described as the "mere rebranding" of local vigilante outfits under different names, without any real enhancement in their training, oversight, or coordination with other security agencies. He argued that community-based security must go beyond symbolic gestures and must instead evolve into a professionally guided, intelligence-driven, and community-trusted force.

Further recommendations from FENRAD included improved collaboration between various security agencies operating in the state. The organization stressed that interagency rivalry and poor coordination often leave dangerous gaps that criminals are quick to exploit. Enhanced intelligence gathering from grassroots sources, better communication channels, and transparent civilian oversight mechanisms were also part of the proposed roadmap.

Additionally, the group called for strategic dialogue between community stakeholders and law enforcement agencies, advocating conflict prevention models that involve traditional rulers, youth groups, and civil society organizations. Such inclusive dialogue, according to FENRAD, can defuse tensions early and strengthen trust between communities and those tasked with protecting them.

The deteriorating security climate has had far-reaching implications for Anambra's socioeconomic wellbeing. Small businesses, transport systems, and educational institutions have all felt the ripple effects. Markets have seen declining foot traffic, families are hesitant to travel, and many students have been pulled out of school by worried parents. These realities, FENRAD noted, should serve as a wake-up call for both the state and federal government.

Security experts have also weighed in, emphasizing the need for digital surveillance systems, emergency response teams, and improved intelligence databases. While physical patrols remain important, the digital aspect of crime-fighting is often underutilized in many parts of Nigeria, including Anambra.

The situation, according to FENRAD, is urgent but not beyond repair. The group reiterated its commitment to monitoring developments, supporting local communities, and pushing for policy change until sustainable safety becomes a reality for every resident of Anambra State.

As stakeholders deliberate on the next steps, the plea from civil society remains clear: security is not a privilege, it is a fundamental right that must be protected with all available tools, commitment, and transparency.