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..as he inaugurates   anti-tout squad

By Uzo Ugwunze

Governor Chukwuma Soludo of Anambra State has issued stern warnings to touts, touting syndicates, and market leaders as he inaugurates an anti-touting squad in Onitsha.

Soludo emphasized that those who engage in touting or benefit from its proceeds should stay away from Onitsha and the entire state, or they will face the full force of the law.

He delivered this stern warning at Upper Iweka, Onitsha, during the inauguration of the anti-touting squad, which is part of the Anambra Homeland Security initiative, stating that the days of touts and their sponsors in the state are numbered.

Governor Soludo expressed concern that while they do not want touts in the state, they have already formed syndicates to carry out criminal activities under the guise of revenue collection, constituting themselves into a violent gang that terrorizes people and drives away customers who come to patronize traders.

Furthermore, the anti-touting bill is currently before the State House of Assembly and is set to be signed into law, carrying potential jail terms for both touts and their syndicates.

Describing Anambra's core values as hard work and enterprise, Soludo urged touts to leave the state and relocate to other states if they wish to continue their nefarious activities, or they should prepare to be expelled.

Governor Soludo stressed the importance of restoring the state to its former glory and announced that the anti-touting squad would collaborate with various security agencies, including the military, police, and vigilante groups.

He highlighted the need to rescue Onitsha and the entire state from the clutches of touts and encouraged the public to report individuals involved in touting. Market leaders were warned against using touts for harassment and extortion, with Governor Soludo noting that the removal of touts from markets would be a criterion for renewing the tenure of hardworking market leaders in March 2024.

Hon. Air Vice Marshal Ben Chiobi (rtd), the Special Adviser to the Governor on Security Matters, expressed optimism that the fight against touting would be pursued rigorously, urging the squad to meet the expectations of the people. He stated that the governor aims to sanitize Onitsha and the entire state.

Chief Emeka Joseph Orji, Chairman of Onitsha South Local Government Area, announced plans to unveil an anti-touting monitoring team to ensure the squad's activities remain within their prescribed boundaries.

Orji refuted claims that the anti-touting squad were touts wearing official uniforms to continue their activities. He stressed that anti-touting had been a priority in Onitsha South LGA, and the state government's assistance in combating touting was appreciated.

Chief Chikodi Anara, the state Commissioner for Homeland Security, along with the state Director of Operations, Chief Chinenye Ihenko (a.k.a Okpompi) from Anambra Vigilante Services (AVS), assured the governor that the issue of touts and their activities would soon be eradicated.

Hon. Chiejina Anthony, the Senior Special Adviser to the Governor on Security, expressed concern about touts scaring and terrorizing residents and visitors in the state. He warned all touts currently extorting motorists and law-abiding citizens to leave the state or be prepared to face the consequences if caught.