By: Karen James
A wave of peace, relief, and renewed confidence is sweeping through Onitsha, Oba, Ogbaru, and surrounding communities, as residents celebrate the visible and lasting impact of Governor Charles Chukwuma Soludo’s anti-touting policy and the establishment of a robust anti-touting task force. For the first time in many years, locals and traders alike are saying: “We can finally sleep in peace.”
From bustling markets to quiet neighborhoods, the message is the same — touts and hoodlums who once held the commercial nerve center of Anambra hostage have either vanished or gone underground. The days of fear, harassment, and criminal intimidation are fading fast, thanks to the unwavering efforts of the state government and the dedicated agency tasked with rooting out crime at its core.
“Before, one couldn’t walk freely in Onitsha without being harassed. Now, the difference is clear — everyone is happy, and business is booming,” says Mrs. Chinyere Okafor, a trader at the Main Market, Onitsha.
According to investigative findings shared by concerned citizens, the major kingpins who once terrorized Anambra have fled, and those who once sponsored them are now scrambling to find ways to restore their lost grip on the streets. But Ndi Anambra are standing firm with the government.
“Mr. Commissioner for Information, Hon. Law Mefor, let it be known that the people of Anambra are fully in support of this initiative,” said a local community leader named witheld. “Anti-touting has given us back our peace and security — we can sleep without fear.”
Governor Soludo’s bold steps, including the formation of the anti-touting agency — S.A.S.A (Special Anti-Touting and Squad Agency) — has not only curbed touting but also played a significant role in reducing kidnapping, “one chance” robbery operations, market theft, and other related criminal activities.
Residents are calling for deeper investigations to trace and expose those behind the previous reign of chaos, stressing that “without dealing with hoodlums the hard way, peace would never have returned.”
Now, traders are returning to Onitsha from across Nigeria to do business without fear. Commercial activities are picking up once more, and confidence in the system is growing.
“If not for the anti-touting initiative, Onitsha would have been in hell,” said Mr. Emeka Nnaji, a transporter. “Soludo has saved our city and our lives. S.A.S.A must remain — it is here to stay.”
As Anambra basks in this new era of peace and safety, Ndi Anambra across all zones are extending heartfelt gratitude to Governor Soludo for taking bold and decisive steps toward restoring the dignity, safety, and economy of the state.
Indeed, a new dawn has come. Anambra is peaceful again. And the people say: ‘Thank you, Mr. Governor.’
