Anambra State Governor, Chukwuma Soludo, has declared his commitment to addressing the issue of street urchins and hoodlums in Onitsha, the bustling commercial city of the state.

The governor made this pledge on Saturday during his attendance at the Ofala Festival of Obi Alfred Nnaemeka Achebe, widely known as Agbogidi, the monarch of Onitsha Ancient Kingdom.

Speaking to the residents of Onitsha, Soludo underlined the historical significance of the region, which once encompassed five local government areas as part of Greater Onitsha. He stressed that for the progress of Igbo land, the development of Onitsha is paramount.

Soludo stated, “We extend our greetings to Agbogidi on the occasion of this year’s Ofala Festival, marking the 22nd anniversary of his reign. I am impressed by the representation of Onitsha culture through the Ofala Festival.”

He continued, “Onitsha represents the heart of the Igbo people, and for the Igbo to thrive, Onitsha must thrive. That is why we are committed to putting an end to thugs and hoodlums in Onitsha. We do not know where they come from to infiltrate Onitsha, but we will continue to remove them.”

The governor also announced that a major security operation would be initiated in Onitsha in the coming weeks to directly address the security challenges. Soludo assured, “Something significant will happen in terms of security in Onitsha.”