The Young Progressives Party candidate in the November 8 Anambra State governorship election, Paul Chukwuma, has protested against alleged excesses of the state vigilance group.

Mr Chukwuma, who also leads a non-governmental organisation, Make Anambra Great Again (MAGA), spoke on Friday at the Police Command Headquarters in Awka during a peaceful demonstration.

The protest targeted alleged killings and assaults carried out by the vigilance group, known as Operation Udogachi and Agunechemba, across different parts of the state.

 Protesters included YPP members, youth groups, women leaders, transporters, and residents. They marched from Aroma Junction, Awka, to the Police Command Headquarters at Amawbia in Awka South.

 The vigilantes attracted criticisms during the August 16 by-elections in Anambra South Senatorial District and Onitsha North 1 constituency.

This was despite police warnings to them to steer clear of the electoral process. Their conduct reportedly drew condemnation from residents, politicians, and civic groups.  

In another incident, a corps member, Jennifer Elobor, was allegedly assaulted and stripped by the vigilantes in Oba, Idemili South Local Government Area.

 The peaceful march, marked by a long motorcade, caused heavy traffic gridlock but drew public support, with many commending Mr Chukwuma for speaking against unprofessional conduct.

 Mr Chukwuma urged the police to assume full responsibility for security in Anambra State, saying the vigilance group had failed in its duty to protect lives and property.

 He described the protest as a message to both government and police authorities regarding the “anti-people” activities of the state-backed vigilance group.  

He said, “We do not want a situation where parents refuse to allow their children to serve in Anambra State during the National Youth Service Corp.”

Mr Chukwuma also queried why insecurity persists in spite of federal support, urging the police to “rise to their responsibility” and prevent Anambra State from “descending into a banana republic.”

 Responding, the Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP) Operations, Ibrahim Ezekiel, praised the peaceful protest, noting that Agunechemba was established to assist the police in community policing.

 Mr Ezekiel said the commissioner of police organised an orientation programme to teach vigilantes proper policing methods and protection of citizens’ rights.

 He confirmed that eight operatives linked to the assault on the corps member had been handed over by Agunechemba and were facing investigation at the State Criminal Investigation Department.

 He added that the police command had strengthened community policing in the state and would continue working with vigilance groups, but stressed accountability for any misconduct.

Mr Ezekiel further promised that allegations of operatives bearing AK-47 rifles would be investigated thoroughly and urged residents to remain calm while inquiries continued.

(NAN)