As 2024 concludes, the Civil Rights Realisation and Advancement Network (CRRAN) has named Enugu as the safest state in the Southeast, while Anambra has been ranked as the most dangerous.
This assessment comes from a recent review of security and human rights conditions in the region.
Olu Omotayo Esq., president of CRRAN, explained that Enugu has earned its status as the safest state due to the current administration’s strong commitment to protecting citizens’ lives and property.
He stated, “Enugu State stands out as the safest place in the Southeast, largely due to the strong human rights record of the administration, which is focused on the welfare of its citizens.”
In the ranking, Ebonyi follows Enugu in second place, with Imo in third, Abia in fourth, and Anambra in fifth.
Omotayo pointed to the ongoing violence in Anambra, particularly in the capital city of Awka, where cult wars and killings remain prevalent.
A recent incident on October 24, 2024, saw the deaths of six individuals near the main gate of Nnamdi Azikiwe University. This, Omotayo stressed, was just one example of the ongoing insecurity that plagues the state.
The situation in Anambra worsened in December 2024, with the murder of Dr. Fabian Osita, a lecturer at Nnamdi Azikiwe University, on December 16, and the killing of Reverend Father Tobias Okonkwo from the Catholic Diocese of Nnewi on December 26.
These killings, Omotayo said, are symptomatic of the broader security challenges in the state.
CRRAN’s review used several criteria to evaluate the security situation, including the protection of lives and property, the rate of human rights violations, and the frequency of conflicts between security agencies and non-state actors.
Omotayo noted that security is defined by a state’s ability to protect its citizens from harm, and in this regard, Enugu has performed better than its counterparts.
Enugu, in particular, has seen significant improvements in its security landscape since Peter Mbah assumed office.
The establishment of a new security architecture, which includes a Command and Control Center and enhanced mobility for security agents, has contributed to the dramatic reduction in crime.
The presence of the 82 Division of the Nigerian Army has also supported joint security patrols, making Enugu the safest state in the region, where people can move freely without fear of criminal activity.
In addition, the Enugu State Government has made strides in addressing human rights violations.
Interventions in cases such as the unlawful detention of Arinze Nelson Eze, an SS2 student, and the wrongful police declaration of Chinedu Samuel Ajogwu as a wanted person, have demonstrated the government’s commitment to protecting citizens’ rights.
While Enugu has made progress, Anambra continues to struggle with widespread violence.
Omotayo called on the state government to step up its efforts to address the insecurity, as failure to do so would undermine democracy and human rights in the state.
A recent incident in Anambra highlighted the severity of the security situation.
On December 30, 2024, seven people were killed in a brutal attack in Ihiala Local Government Area, including a successful businessman from Port Harcourt, who had come to attend his mother’s funeral.
This tragedy underscores the urgent need for stronger measures to protect citizens.
Omotayo concluded that the right to life is the most fundamental human right, and without it, no other rights can be guaranteed.
The government of Anambra State must fulfill its duty to protect its citizens from the growing threat of violence.
