An unbiased investigation has unveiled a troubling reality: the majority of individuals responsible for insecurity in Anambra State are products of societal neglect. The data paints a grim picture, revealing that 80 per cent of those reportedly involved in terrorizing the state fall between the ages of 19 and 35 years, Chukwuma Okafor, a doctorate degree candidate, researcher on political and social matters, stated.
Further research reveals that 65 per cent of this group either lost interest in education or were deprived of the opportunity to attend university. Alarmingly, 62.4 per cent of this subset comes from families struggling to make ends meet. These are families where parents either failed in their roles due to economic hardship or were hindered by the government’s indifference to the development of children from poor homes.
Pushed by societal trends and driven by a desire to match the privileged lifestyles of others, many of these young people were left vulnerable to negative influences. They have become desperate and aggressive, victims of neglect, and, now, threats to the very society that abandoned them.
More than a decade has passed since the notorious criminals: Derico and Chiejina were neutralized, yet insecurity still haunts Anambra State. New groups have emerged, perpetuating violence and fear. The persistence of this problem suggests a deeper, unresolved issue that needs urgent attention.
It raises a critical question: Why hasn’t the government addressed the root causes of this menace? Instead of merely neutralizing or capturing these criminals, shouldn’t efforts be made to understand and resolve the factors that push them into a life of crime?
The educational system urgently needs reform to be more inclusive and accessible, especially for children from poor backgrounds. The government must rethink how it allocates scarce resources, ensuring that struggling families receive meaningful support. It is unsustainable for those in power to plunder public resources while leaving the masses to fend for themselves. Must the poor resort to violence and armed conflict just to survive?
The much-publicized “1 Youth, 2 Skills” program appears ineffective in practice. Even the Master Trainers of the program are struggling to make ends meet, let alone their trainees or graduates. Why not explore home-to-home or family-based employment initiatives that yield practical results rather than relying solely on theoretical interventions?
The role of Special Advisers in governance also comes into question. Are these advisers genuinely providing insightful counsel, or are they merely political appointees rewarded for loyalty? Effective governance requires capable hands, not just individuals chosen based on favouritism. Leaders must resist the temptation to assume they know it all and seek help from experts who can offer practical solutions.
Governance demands pragmatism, empathy, and competence. Even the most learned professors may lack the practical expertise to navigate real-world political challenges. Admitting this and seeking advice from those with better solutions is not a sign of weakness but a mark of wisdom.
If we do not address the root causes of insecurity in Anambra State, there is a real risk that more dangerous groups will emerge. The time for action is now. Governance must be about solving problems, not just maintaining political appearances.
May Anambra, our beloved state, succeed.
Chukwuma Okafor
PhD. Candidate — Researcher on Political & Social Matters
joelmarychukwuma@gmail.com
