Anambra’s Insecurity: Soludo Cracks Down On Crime, Targets Fake Pastors & Native Doctors

Anambra State Governor, Professor Chukwuma Soludo, has reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to eradicating insecurity by addressing its root causes. Speaking at the Governor’s Lodge, Amawbia, while receiving a Vanguard Media Limited Award for Good Governance, Soludo emphasized that security efforts in the state have progressed significantly, with a strategic focus on dismantling networks that exploit the youth for criminal activities.

Tackling Insecurity at Its Core

Soludo recalled that upon assuming office nearly three years ago, seven local government areas in Anambra South were under the control of non-state actors. While security challenges persist, the implementation of new measures has restored relative peace, and his administration remains committed to reclaiming the state entirely.

Following the passage of the Homeland Security Law, Anambra’s government established the ‘Udo ga achi’ security outfit, with Agunechemba as its operational arm. This initiative, backed by logistics and surveillance support, has actively arrested individuals posing as pastors and native doctors who deceive the youth with fraudulent promises of instant wealth, leading many into criminal activities like drug trafficking and cyber fraud (yahoo-yahoo).

Exposing Fraudulent Practices in Religion and Traditional Beliefs

Governor Soludo condemned the practices of some religious leaders and native doctors who mislead individuals into believing they can acquire wealth through supernatural means. He stated:

“As Igbos, our core values are enterprise, hard work, and integrity. However, certain individuals exploit the desperation of our youth by promoting false doctrines. They claim they can bless people with wealth but can’t even uplift their own families from poverty. Many of their children struggle with menial jobs, yet they mislead others into believing in magical prosperity.”

Soludo further explained that many youths have fallen victim to these schemes, ending up in prisons worldwide after being deceived into smuggling illicit substances under the false belief that spiritual charms would make them undetectable at security checkpoints.

Security Crackdown on Fake Pastors and Fraudulent Practices

The Anambra State government has intensified efforts to dismantle criminal networks masquerading as religious and traditional institutions. Soludo challenged these fraudulent figures, saying:

“If they have real powers, let them make all Anambra people millionaires overnight. Why do they depend on offerings and tithes instead?”

The administration is determined to cleanse the state of such exploitative practices, ensuring that traditional religion is not confused with fraudulent schemes.

Anambra’s Progress in Education, Health, and Digital Economy

Despite security challenges, Anambra has recorded remarkable achievements in multiple sectors:

✅ Education: Free and truly accessible education from nursery to secondary level, with the recruitment of 5,000 qualified teachers. Enrollment rates have surged, reducing the state’s out-of-school children rate to below 0.5%, compared to the national average of 30%.

✅ Healthcare: Over 1,000 medical professionals, including doctors and pharmacists, have been employed. Five new general hospitals have been established, with one in Fegge, Onitsha South, fully equipped and awaiting commissioning. A free antenatal care initiative has facilitated over 82,882 deliveries, including 400+ free cesarean operations.

✅ Economic Empowerment: Through the Igbo Apprenticeship System in collaboration with UNIZIK Business School, over 5,000 entrepreneurs have been trained. A new batch of 8,300 youths is set to benefit, with the goal of creating 1,000 millionaires annually.

✅ Infrastructure & Digital Innovation: The government is laying 600km of fiber optic cables to transform Anambra into a digital hub, making affordable WiFi accessible across the state. Over 750 kilometers of roads are under construction, with 400+ km completed, significantly improving connectivity and urban development.

For a deeper understanding of Governor Soludo’s governance approach and security reforms, refer to Vanguard’s official report.

Conclusion

Governor Soludo’s administration is tackling Anambra’s security crisis by uprooting fraudulent religious and traditional practices that mislead the youth. While security remains a work in progress, significant strides have been made in governance, healthcare, education, and infrastructure, positioning Anambra for a more prosperous future.