Nawfia Attack Sparks Outrage as ADC Candidate Demands Security Overhaul in Anambra

|By Adejumo Adekunle

A fresh wave of criticism trailed Governor Chukwuma Soludo’s security strategy on Monday after gunmen launched a violent assault at Afor Market Junction in Nawfia, Njikoka Local Government Area, killing and injuring residents.

The Sunday night attack, which threw the community into mourning, reignited public anxiety over the state’s worsening security climate.

Reacting to the incident, the All Democratic Congress (ADC) gubernatorial candidate in last month’s election, John Chuma Nwosu, condemned the assault and described it as “distressing.” He argued that the state’s current security structure had failed to respond effectively to rising threats.

Nwosu faulted what he called “overstretched and inadequate” security architecture under Governor Soludo and demanded urgent reforms driven by technology and real-time surveillance intelligence.

“The rising crime rate across Anambra is alarming. It is increasingly evident that Governor Soludo’s security architecture is no longer effective,” he asserted.

He urged the government to deploy drones, AI-enabled facial recognition cameras, an active command-and-control center, and data-based early-warning systems to enable swift response and prevent similar attacks.

Nwosu also appealed to residents to remain vigilant and support security agents, stressing that technology must now take center stage if Anambra intends to curb violent crime.

Offering condolences to the Nawfia community, he described the incident as a collective tragedy for the state.

As Anambra confronts escalating criminal attacks, the push for digital and intelligence-led security systems amplifies questions over the state’s capacity to protect its citizens.