Anambra Boils over alleged relocation of Boko Haram detainees to Ekwuluobia

Residents of Anambra State woke up yesterday in utter anger and shock over rumors the Federal Government has concluded plans to transfer some Boko haram prisoners to Ekwuluobia Prison in Aguata local government area of the state.

Thousands of the youths blocked major roads in the state, including the Head Bridge and the Enugu Onitsha expressway in Onitsha, as well as the popular Zik Avenue in Awka, causing traffic gridlock for several hours. Anambra State has of late emerged from the terror of kidnappers and armed robbery, thanks to their hard working Governor who declared total war on all bad elements in the state.

The State has become one of the most peaceful States in Nigeria and her people knew what they went through to get to where they are now, So they feel that relocating the prisoners to their State is an invitation to Boko haram attacks as we have witnessed in some States in Nigeria.


In all the cities in the state, the youths waved placards with inscriptions that read, “We don’t want Boko Haram prisoners in Anambra”; “Buhari, Igbos will not accept your prisoners”; “Anambra is special and secured”; “Anambra is not a party to terrorists and should not be involved in it”; “We say no to Boko Haram people in Anambra” and “Buhari, why Anambra”.

At the Ekwulobia Prison, which was named as the likely new abode for the Boko Haram prisoners, there was nothing on ground to show that a large number of inmates were brought in there. Some officials of the prison however said that they heard a rumour that some prisoners from the northern part of the country would be brought there. According to them, “there was nothing on ground to show that new inmates were being expected as the situation here has not changed.”