Governor Charles Soludo of Anambra State has praised the Nigerian Armed Forces and local vigilante groups for their unwavering commitment to securing the state, particularly in volatile areas such as Ebonesie, Ihiala, and Lilu. Speaking during a special Sallah lunch at the 302 Artillery Military Cantonment in Onitsha, Soludo highlighted the critical role security forces have played in restoring peace and stability.
In a statement released by his Press Secretary, Mr. Chris Aburime, the governor extended gratitude to both the military and grassroots security outfits, stating, “We recognise and thank the Armed Forces and our vigilante groups who are playing a supportive role in our quest for safety.”
Soludo also used the occasion to call on remaining militants and criminal elements hiding in camps across the state to surrender and embrace rehabilitation, stressing that sustainable progress is impossible without peace and lawfulness. He described the Sallah celebration as a time for “reflection and purification,” not just for the Muslim community but for the entire state.
“Let this Sallah period be a point of contact for general purification, encouraging those who are still loitering in camps to surrender and seek rehabilitation because no progress can be made without security and law and order,” Soludo said.
Responding to the governor’s remarks, the Commander of the 302 Artillery, Major General Adewale Adekeye, underscored the importance of reflection and sacrifice during the festive season. He commended troops under Operation Udoka for their dedication and affirmed the military’s readiness to continue upholding peace and the rule of law.
“We must be willing to sacrifice, just like Prophet Muhammad, in our ongoing mission to ensure security and stability,” he said, reaffirming the Army’s commitment to its constitutional duties.
