Anambra State Governor, Professor Chukwuma Charles Soludo, has called for intensified collaboration between the Nigerian Army and his administration in the fight against criminal elements in the state.
The governor made the call during a special Sallah lunch to mark the Eid al-Adha celebration, held on Tuesday at the Onitsha Military Cantonment. The event brought together military officials, community leaders, and representatives of various ethnic groups.
Governor Soludo commended the Nigerian Armed Forces and local vigilante groups for their relentless efforts in safeguarding lives and property across the state. He cited notable security gains in areas such as Ebonesie, Ihiala, and Lilu — previously known for heightened insecurity.
“We celebrate and remember the sacrifices of everyone, including the pilgrims. Let this Sallah period be a point of contact for general purification,” Soludo said. “We encourage those who are still loitering in camps to surrender and seek rehabilitation. We cannot move forward as a people without peace and security.”
The governor also expressed solidarity with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the Muslim community, and all Nigerians, urging collective efforts towards peace and national unity during the festive period.
In his remarks, the General Officer Commanding (GOC), 82 Division, Nigerian Army, Major General Adewale Adekeye, said the Sallah celebration provided an opportunity to reflect on the enduring values of the military—peace, discipline, and national unity.
The event also featured vibrant cultural performances from various Nigerian ethnic groups, highlighting the country’s rich diversity and reinforcing the message of unity in diversity.
