Concerns are rising in Anambra State over a potential plan to disarm the Agunechemba Security Squad, formed under the Udo Ga Chi security initiative, following public outrage over an incident involving the assault of Miss Jennifer Elohor, a female corps member.
Tensions escalated amid allegations from some gubernatorial candidates that the squad is being used to intimidate voters ahead of the November 8 election, echoing a 2003 episode when the Bakassi Boys vigilante group was disbanded amid allegations of political violence.
APC candidate, Prince Nicholas Ukachukwu, accused state authorities of deploying the Agunechemba squad during local by-elections to harass voters.
His campaign aide, Comrade Tony Uche, described it as a deliberate maneuver to sway votes.
“If you saw the number of vigilantes, more than twenty trucks, brought in to hijack the election, you’d know they intended to intimidate,” Uche said.
Similarly, LP candidate Chief George Moghalu called for the immediate disbandment and re-training of the squad, particularly after the assault incident involving the NYSC member.
He urged the federal government to intervene on behalf of the victim.
YPP candidate Sir Paul Chukwuma echoed these concerns, warning the incident could foreshadow wider abuses during the upcoming election.
He urged government and security agencies to hold the squad accountable.
Responding to speculation, Rtd Air Vice-Marshal Ben Chiobi, Special Adviser on Security to Governor Soludo, stated he was not aware of any plans to disarm the squad and noted the matter would best be addressed by the Governor.
Similarly, Commissioner for Information, Dr. Law Mefor, said he had no knowledge of any such directive.
However, Prince Kenneth Emeakayi, Special Adviser on Community Security, confirmed the assault was regrettable.
He stated that nine operatives involved had been suspended pending investigation.
Emeakayi emphasized the squad remains committed to combating criminality in Anambra State through properly trained personnel.
