Insecurity: Anambra LGA chairman governs council affairs under trees

The Transition Committee chairman of Ihiala Local Government Area, Kingsley Obi, has disclosed that he carries out the activities of the council from under trees inside the secretariat complex.

He said this was a result of the destruction of 14 buildings in the secretariat by gunmen in January of this year.

Ihiala is among the local government areas in Anambra that have suffered serious attacks from hoodlums, who are now widely referred to as unknown gunmen. Some security operatives, including members of vigilance groups, lost their lives during the attack.

The council chairman, who spoke to journalists in Awka, said the council was destroyed by the invading gunmen. While it had been suggested that he move to a nearby secretariat in Ekwusigo Local Government Area to continue the running of council activities, he insisted on staying under trees in the council secretariat.

He, however, praised Governor Chukwuma Soludo for promptly responding by beginning immediately to rebuild the destroyed structures.

He said: “Ihiala Local Government Secretariat was attacked on 12th January 2023, by hoodlums, and about 14 buildings were burnt down completely.

“But today we are almost rounding off the reconstruction of the local government secretariat. Hopefully, in the next two months, everything will return to normalcy again.

“They asked us to go to Ekwusigo; I said no; I will not do that; instead, I prefer to stay under the trees to make sure government intervenes promptly. So the governor intervened quickly, and things are going well.

“We are working day and night to finish the reconstruction. The workers are living inside the secretariat just to ensure that they get it done. About 20 men are working there 24 hours a day, including Sundays, just to make sure that they finish the reconstruction within the stipulated time.

“Soludo gave Ihiala Local Government a more rapid response than any other place. Remember that Nnewi-South Council Secretariat got burnt about two and a half years ago, and they are still on it.”

Obi blamed fifth columnists for sabotaging efforts at fighting insecurity in the area while also saying that security has improved in the area, as no attack has been registered in over two months now.