- Odibo Victory
The Department of State Services (DSS), in collaboration with the Anambra State Government, on Saturday held a rally against terrorism in the state.
The rally, which had no fewer than 300 participants, commenced from the DSS State Headquarters in Amawbia, passed through Zik’s Avenue and terminated at Anambra Tower, near the new Government House.
The solidarity march was led by Mr Chucks Anukposi, the DSS Director in Anambra, alongside members of his top management team.
The theme of the campaign was “Unite Against Terror.”
Speaking at the event, Dr Law Mefor, the Commissioner for Information and Value Reorientation in Anambra, who led the government delegation, said the rally demonstrated the people’s unity against terrorism in all its forms.
Mefor said the people of Anambra had resolved to unite and defeat terrorism in all its ramifications, noting that terrorism, which was previously alien to the people, was now becoming deeply rooted in the social fabric.
“We must say no to terror and united, we will defeat terrorism. Regardless of the guise, terror is terror.
“Today, Anambra is joining the train of other states that have united against terror, and I urge other states to join this campaign as we pray that God will give us peace in Anambra and Nigeria.
“We need peace because without peace, there will be no development. So, if you see something, say something, because you can earn up to N5 million if the whistle you blow is true,” he said.
Also speaking, Mr Osita Obi, a civil rights activist and Convener of Recovery Nigeria Project, said peace and security were the responsibility of every citizen.
Obi called on tricycle operators to use their reach at the grassroots to assist security agencies with intelligence gathering and information sharing.
“Security agencies cannot do it alone; they need our cooperation to do their job effectively,” he said.
On his part, Chief Chinenye Ihenko, Director of Operations, Agunechemba Security, expressed the outfit’s solidarity with the DSS campaign against terrorism and insecurity.
Ihenko said Agunechemba would continue to complement federal security agencies through its presence on the ground and information sharing to ensure that Anambra remained safe, secure and liveable, in line with the objectives of Gov. Chukwuma Soludo.
He acknowledged complaints of high-handedness and abuse involving some personnel of the outfit, assuring that measures were being taken internally to address such issues.
According to reports, the Police, Nigeria Correctional Service, Immigration Service, NDLEA, Heads of Federal Establishments, Red Cross, Anambra Bus Drivers Forum and Tricycle Riders Forum also participated in the rally.