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The Department of State Services (DSS), in collaboration with the Anambra State Government and other stakeholders, on Saturday staged a solidarity road show against terrorism in the state.
The rally, which attracted more than 300 participants, commenced at the DSS State Headquarters in Amawbia and moved through Zik’s Avenue before terminating at Anambra Tower near the new Government House.
The march was led by the Director of DSS in Anambra, Mr Chucks Anukposi, alongside members of the agency’s top management team.
The event, held under the theme, “Unite Against Terror,” was attended by representatives of various security agencies, government establishments, civil society groups and transport unions.
Speaking at the rally, the Anambra State Commissioner for Information and Value Reorientation, Dr Law Mefor, who led the state government delegation, said the event demonstrated the people’s collective resolve to confront terrorism in all its forms.
Mefor said Anambra residents had resolved to unite against terrorism, noting that the menace, which was once largely alien to the state, was increasingly affecting the social fabric.
“We must say no to terror, and united, we will defeat terrorism. Regardless of the guise, terror is terror,” he said.
The commissioner urged residents to support security agencies by providing useful information, saying peace was essential for development.
“Today, Anambra is joining the train of other states that have united against terror. We 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 information you provide is true,” he added.
Also speaking, a civil rights activist and Convener of the Recovery Nigeria Project, Mr Osita Obi, said maintaining peace and security was a collective responsibility.
Obi specifically urged tricycle operators to leverage their grassroots presence to support security agencies through intelligence gathering and information sharing.
“Security agencies cannot do it alone; they need our cooperation to do their job effectively,” he said.
The Director of Operations, Agunechemba Security, Chief Chinenye Ihenko, said the outfit fully supported the DSS campaign against terrorism and insecurity.
Ihenko said Agunechemba would continue to complement federal security agencies through its presence on the ground and the provision of useful information to ensure that Anambra remained safe, secure and livable, in line with the objectives of Governor Chukwuma Soludo.
He, however, acknowledged complaints of alleged high-handedness and abuse involving some personnel of the outfit, assuring that internal measures were being taken to address such concerns.
The rally was also attended by representatives of the Nigeria Police Force, Nigeria Correctional Service, Nigeria Immigration Service, National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), heads of federal establishments, Red Cross, Anambra Bus Drivers Forum and Tricycle Riders Forum.
