Priest Blasts Soludo Over Soaring Insecurity, Claims Anambra A ‘Safe Haven’ For Kidnappers

Reverend Father Emmanuel Obimma, the Spiritual Director of the Holy Ghost Adoration Ministry in Uke, Anambra State, has launched a scathing attack on Governor Charles Soludo, accusing him of negligence in the face of the state’s escalating security situation.

Fr. Obimma, also known as Fr. Ebube Muonso, delivered his condemnation at a recent prayer march, claiming that the governor’s response to the crisis was inadequate.

“If you are in Anambra State right now, you do not need to be told to be on high alert,” Fr. Obimma cautioned.

He painted a bleak picture of a state devoid of security, claiming that Governor Soludo is more concerned with securing a second term than with combating the rampant kidnappings and killings.

The priest questioned the governor’s priorities, pointing out that Soludo was celebrating his wedding anniversary while citizens were being murdered on a daily basis.

Fr. Obimma highlighted the stark contrast between the governor’s heavily guarded convoy, which included police, soldiers, DSS personnel, and armoured vehicles, and the vulnerability of ordinary citizens.

He questioned what the governor was doing with the state’s significant security vote, which totalled billions of Naira, and demanded accountability for the funds.

The priest also claimed that Anambra has become a haven for kidnappers from other states, citing the state’s relatively small forested areas as easily patrollable.

He pointed to the recent murder of a young female banker on the Alor-Nnobi road as evidence of the state’s deteriorating security situation.

He also brought up the case of a state assembly member who has been held hostage since December 24th, 2024, questioning the government’s response.

In contrast to Fr. Obimma’s allegations, Governor Soludo recently blamed the rising insecurity on a “conspiracy of silence” among residents. Soludo, speaking at the 2025 Armed Forces Remembrance Day ceremony in Awka, emphasised that security agencies cannot combat crime alone and encouraged citizens to report criminal activity in their communities.

He claimed that criminals operate among the people, posing as husbands, fathers, brothers, and friends.

The conflicting statements of Fr. Obimma and Governor Soludo reveal a significant gap between the government’s assessment of the security situation and the live experiences of many Anambra residents.

The priest’s strong criticism has reignited the debate over the effectiveness of the state government’s security measures, raising serious concerns about the safety and well-being of Anambra State residents.