The Anambra Truth, Justice and Peace Commission (ATJPC) is spearheading a public hearing on insecurity, violence, and violence-related deaths, where testimonies from communities and stakeholders are being gathered. During this process, the commission highlighted the sacrifices made by security personnel and emphasized the need to improve their welfare and provide adequate support to the families of fallen heroes.
Professor Chidi Odinkalu, the chairman of the commission, voiced this call for action during a session with heads of security agencies in Anambra State. Recognizing the selfless dedication of security personnel, Professor Odinkalu pledged that the commission would present solutions to the government to address their challenges.
During the session, Usifo E. Joseph, the Controller of the National Correctional Service in Anambra State, reiterated the crucial role of the correctional service within the justice system. Noting the importance of human re-engineering, he emphasized the need for holistic rehabilitation and reintegration of youths who pass through correctional centers. Joseph called for training, equipping, and welcoming these individuals back into society, stressing the significance of their successful transition.
Additionally, Joseph urged parents to play an active role in closely monitoring and properly training their children, thereby curbing the prevalence of hard drugs, violence, and crime within society.
The controller also expressed appreciation for Governor Soludo’s initiative in covering the National Business and Technical Examinations Board (NABTEB) fees for 30 inmates of the Onitsha correctional center. This commendable effort supports the educational aspirations of the inmates, paving the way for their future success.
Furthermore, Controller Usifo lauded the Archbishop of Onitsha, Archdiocese and Metropolitan of Onitsha Ecclesiastical Province, Most Reverend Valerian Maduka Okeke, for his recent establishment and donation of a skills acquisition center to the Nigerian Correctional Service’s Medium Security Custodial Centre in Onitsha, Anambra State. He called upon other philanthropists in the country to follow their lead in equipping correctional centers and empowering inmates.
Addressing the gathering, Deputy Commandant Yakubu Ahada, who represented the State Commandant of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), solemnly reported the loss of seven personnel to acts of violence in Anambra between 2021 and 2023. He urged the commission to take immediate action in improving the welfare and security of officers.
Assuring the officers on behalf of the commission, Chairman Professor Chidi Odinkalu promised to work towards preventing further attacks on both security personnel and correctional facilities. With the goal of fostering a safer environment for all, the commission remains committed to finding long-lasting solutions to these pressing issues.
