Piqued by the security threats to bomb the popular Onitsha Main Market and other markets within Onitsha metropolis, the commander, Anambra North Vigilante Group (AVG), Chinenye Ihenko has assured the population of the group’s preparedness and readiness to outwit such plans.
It would be recalled that a taped male’s voice had gone viral in the social media threatening to bomb Onitsha Main market and other markets within the metropolis through the River Niger in Onitsha.
Ihenko told our reporter in Onitsha on Monday that such negative and unfounded rumour would not succeed.
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“We are ready for such threats and have gone round the markets campaigning and sensitising the traders to disregard the rumour. We have also told them to go about their normal businesses without fears,” he said.
He threatened also to reawaken the spirit of the disbanded “BAKASSI Boys” to defend the traders and their goods in the markets, if the need arises.
“We are ever ready and more equipped to counter any attack from anywhere without any hindrance,” he said
The AVG boss popularly known as Okpompi while warning those pedaling such unfounded rumours said the state government, police, and other security agencies in the state had been notified.
He commended the state’s commissioner of police, Chris Owolabi-led team for the understanding and quality supervisions, even as he assured of their continued loyalty to the legal and constituted authority.
“The threats by the bandits will never come to reality as far as I am alive. Anybody who hates his or her life should dare us and know if such a person will live the next day to tell his or her story.
“I tell you, let everybody continue to do his or her normal business without fear of anything.
“I urge the traders to continue their business activities in the area with confidence, nothing would happen to you and your goods, and we are on the ground and ever ready for any such threats.
“Anywhere such threats will come, we are ready because one with God is with the majority. Please, go and do your normal business.
“However, our strategies will not be made public until someone who feels and did not have value for his or her life tried to disturb the peace of the legitimate traders in the state,” Ihenko affirmed.
Commenting on the AVG sensitisation tour of Onitsha Main Market, most of them who spoke under the condition of anonymity commended the activities of the security operative in the market and environs.
One of them said the AVG activities in the Onitsha Main Market had helped to bring peace and stability in the market.
“We appeal to the state government to equip them adequately for effective and efficient operations in the markets within their jurisdiction,” some respondents said.
“We will support them to take all necessary action to make sure that Onitsha Main Market is adequately secured, thus I trust our vigilantes led by chief Chinenye Ihenko (Okpompi) as they are capable to withstand any security measures in the area,” they said.
He, however, appealed to the state government to beef up more security in the state, more especially where there is a security threat, and urged traders to be calm.
Photo caption: AVG leader, Chinenye Ihenko “Okpompi” and his men
