Make Anambra Great Again (MAGA) team, on Friday, 22nd August, 2025, took to the streets of Awka, on a peaceful protest against the activities of the vigilante group known as Udogachi.The protesters numbering over 2,000, include the young and old, men and women and many professionals, with placards carrying different inscriptions, and led by distinguished personalities including the governorship candidate of the Young People’s Party, YPP, Sir Paul Chukwuma, took off from Aroma Junction and later gathered at the Police Headquarters, AmawbiaAddressing the gathering, Sir Paul Chukwuma, said the protest was to express the displeasure of Ndi Anambra over the alleged misconduct and excesses of some local security operatives identified as Udogachi and Ndi Akaodo.He expressed sadness that Anambra descended, under this government, into fascism of sorts, as those operatives hide under the authority of government to intimidate, abuse and unleash terror on innocent citizens. The governorship hopeful noted incessant reports about the brutality of the group, one of the latest, being the case of the NYSC member who was brutally rough-handled by the state government’s Agunechemba, who, according to him, were carrying an AK-47 in the state without authorisation, and urged the police to investigate the matter.He said Ndi Anambra would never keep quiet again in the face of am these killings, rape, kidnappings and other crimes that had taken over the state.According to him, President Bola Tinubu had distributed enough funds to states in Nigeria, including Anambra State, to help in bettering the lives of the citizens, and asked, what happened to Anambra’s shares?He commended the peaceful conduct of the walk and the reception at the Command headquarters, stating that the team was assured that their concerns would not be ignored.Receiving the protesters on behalf of the State Police Command, the Deputy Commissioner of Police in charge of Operations, DCP Ibrahim Ezekiel, reassured the group that their grievances were being taken seriously. He emphasized that the Command, in line with its mandate to maintain peace and security, would engage relevant security stakeholders and partners to ensure that appropriate actions are taken in accordance with the law.The Deputy Commissioner confirmed that the Command received reports of a peaceful protest staged against the activities of some security operatives in the state, and commended them for a peaceful protest.The Police Public Relations Officer, PPRO, SP Tochukwu Ikenga, said in a statement.“The establishment of security outfits operating in Anambra State was borne out of the collective will and consensus of Ndi Anambra, with the sole aim of strengthening community safety, enhancing rapid response, and sustaining peace and security,” The Command reiterated its commitment to protecting lives and property, promoting lawful engagement, and working closely with all stakeholders to sustain peace across the state.The protesters vowed to continue to demand for accountability, insisting that “Anambra deserves better.”
