Igwe Alfred Nnaemeka Achebe, the Obi of Onitsha has bemoaned the rise of insecurity and crime in the South East and in Onitsha in particular.
Achebe, in his Ofala message which held on Saturday, October 14 had said that the country was at a perilous crossroads politically, economically, socially, and security-wise.
Narrating how insecurity was affecting Onitsha, Achebe had explained that like other large cities in the country, Onitsha had experienced its own share of security challenges within the past year.
“Being the focal point of a massive urban spread of contiguous communities, it is literally impossible to defend our community from the overall security situation in the urban conundrum.”
“Being the main centre for economic activity, Onitsha is the key destination for the majorly jobless and transient youths from rural communities in search of a better life.”
“Consequently, our main challenges are youth unemployment, touting, gangsterism, homelessness, cultism, petty and armed robbery, drug addiction, rape, child prostitution.”
The 2023 Onitsha Ofala Festival haf witnessed flamboyant displays by several age grades, including titled men in the ancient kingdom.