AAC condemns Anambra attacks, demands security reforms

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The African Action Congress has condemned the December 7, 2025 gunmen attacks on residents in the Nawfia community in Njikoka Local Government Area and a church in Lilu, Ihiala LG of Anambra State, saying it is unacceptable and calling for immediate action.

In a press statement released on Tuesday, the state Publicity Secretary of party, Anyanwu Chinedu, said the state government must prioritise security reforms, community engagement and economic empowerment to address the root causes of insecurity.

Chinedu urged the authorities to take decisive action to protect citizens and bring perpetrators to justice, adding that findings have shown that armed hoodlums have intensified their nefarious activities in the state in recent weeks, digging deep into both the rural and urban communities.

The statement read in part, “Insecurity in Anambra State, has become a pressing concern, with kidnapping, banditry, cultism and armed robbery on the rise. The state has witnessed a surge in attacks, particularly in communities like Isseke, Umunze, Ogbunka, Nanka, and Awka, with residents living in fear of kidnappings and violence.

“We strongly condemn the recent surge in insecurity in Anambra State, including kidnappings, banditry, and armed robbery.

“The attacks on innocent civilians, such as the Nawfia community in Njikoka LGA that leaves several people dead on December 7, and an attack on a church in Lilu, Ihiala LGA, among many others, are unacceptable and we demand immediate attention.

“We urge the authorities to take decisive action to protect citizens and bring perpetrators to justice. The state government must prioritise security reforms, community engagement, and economic empowerment to address the root causes of insecurity.

“Our thoughts are with the victims and their families. We demand peace and safety for Anambra State residents.”

According to the party, findings have shown that armed hoodlums, suspected to be kidnappers have intensified their nefarious activities in the state in recent weeks, digging deep into both the rural and urban communities.

Some of the residents in separate interviews have expressed worry that these hoodlums have seen kidnapping as a “lucrative” business in the region due to the high amount of ransom always paid by the family members of the victims.

“While some think that the security forces may be aiding and abetting these hoodlums, who perpetrate these dastardly acts without any hindrances,” the statement added.

PUNCH Online on Monday, reported that the Anambra state Police Command confirmed that four persons were killed in a violent attack that occurred on Sunday near the Afor Market Junction in Nawfia community, Njikoka Local Government Area of the state.

The spokesman for the Anambra State Police Command, Superintendent of Police Tochukwu Ikenga, confirmed this in a press statement issued on Monday.

Ikenga blamed the attack on rival cult clash, adding that some members of the same gang, operating in a black Lexus Jeep with registration number “yet unknown”, stormed Afor Nawfia Market and opened fire indiscriminately.

PUNCH Online had also reported that some yet-to-be-ascertained armed assailants on Sunday carried out a brutal attack at St. Andrews Anglican Church, Isiokwe in the Lilu community of Ihiala Local Government Area of Anambra State, killing two persons, including the priest’s wife, burning vehicles and the cleric’s apartment.

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