Anambra State Governor, Prof. Chukwuma Soludo, says criminals terrorising Anambra State are doing everything to enthrone idol worship over Christianity.
24 hours later, unidentified arsonists have invaded the premises of Anambra Broadcasting Service (ABS), Awada, Onitsha station.
The arsonists launched the attack on the state-owned station in the early hours of Monday.
A staff of the station said the hoodlums burnt a building, a company bus, and another vehicle parked in the premises belonging to a staff who had worked overnight.
The source who pleaded anonymity said no life was lost in the attack, but the gunmen brutalised the staff they met in the premises inflicting injuries on them.
Speaking earlier at the Second Session of the Sixth Synod of Anglican Diocese of Aguata, held at St James’ Church, Nanka, Orumba North Local Government Area, Soludo said, “it is time for Christians in the state to unite to defend their faith in the face of evil, and quest to intimidate the people back into idolatry.
“The last institution those causing mayhem in the state want to exterminate is the Church, but they will not succeed.
“Anambra is a Christian state and will never succumb to idolatry.”
The Governor had earlier stated in a state-wide broadcast that part of the strategy of the criminals was to instill fear in people, through traditional religious practices, which involved swearing people into oaths, and human sacrifices.
Addressing the Church, Soludo however, stated that following his recent declaration of state of emergency on criminal elements operating in the state, “security forces are already taking the war squarely to the hideouts of those terrorizing the state, and many have been arrested.”
Confirming the attack on the radio station, spokesperson of the Anambra State Police command, DSP Tochukwu Ikenga, said the Command “received a distress call at about 4:30am of a case of arson in Anambra State Broadcasting Station Idemili North Local Government Area, Anambra State.
“The Police operatives responded swiftly and prevented the hoodlums from causing damage on the structure.
“Unfortunately, two operational vehicles belonging to station were affected but no life was lost.”
“The station has been cordoned off and operation is still on-going in the area. Further development shall be communicated.”
▪︎ Reports by Ikengaonline.com
