ENUGU – Governorship aspirant, Chief Samson Chukwu Nnamani, has condemned the recent wave of kidnappings and violent attacks across Enugu State, describing the development as a grave threat to public safety, economic growth and the state’s long-standing reputation as one of Nigeria’s most peaceful destinations.

Speaking with journalists at his residence in Enugu on Thursday, Nnamani reacted to the abduction of a seminarian and other worshippers during a church service in Afa Community, Udi Local Government Area, last Sunday, as well as another reported kidnapping incident along the Opi-Nsukka axis.

He described the incidents as heartbreaking and unacceptable, extending his sympathy to the affected families while calling for the immediate rescue of those still in captivity.

“The security of lives and property is the first responsibility of government. When worshippers can no longer gather in peace, farmers abandon their farmlands, motorists travel in fear and businesses begin to shut down, it is a clear indication that urgent and decisive action has become imperative,” he said.

He criticized what he described as the “repeated pattern of reactive governance” in addressing insecurity, insisting that Enugu State cannot continue to operate on press statements and after-the-fact responses while citizens are being abducted in broad daylight.

According to him, insecurity has become one of the greatest obstacles to agricultural production, commerce, investment and tourism, warning that no society can achieve sustainable development in an atmosphere of fear and uncertainty.

He said restoring security would form the foundation of his administration’s development agenda, noting that investors only commit resources where lives and property are adequately protected.

The governorship aspirant outlined a governance philosophy anchored on proactive security management, economic empowerment, institutional reforms and infrastructure development. He said his administration would prioritise stronger collaboration between government and security agencies, expand community-based intelligence networks, deploy modern technology to support crime prevention, improve rural road connectivity to eliminate criminal hideouts and create employment opportunities for young people to reduce crime and social unrest.

Nnamani maintained that tackling insecurity requires more than the deployment of armed personnel, stressing that job creation, quality education, youth engagement and economic inclusion remain essential components of a comprehensive security strategy.

“Our people deserve a government that is present, responsive and accountable. Security is not only about responding to crime after it occurs; it is about building a society where opportunities exist, justice is guaranteed, infrastructure works and every citizen can pursue legitimate means of livelihood without fear,” he stated.

He further noted that access to good roads, quality healthcare, functional schools, reliable electricity, potable water and other critical infrastructure remains essential to improving the quality of life of citizens and stimulating economic growth across the 17 local government areas of the state.

Expressing confidence in the future of Enugu State, Nnamani said the state possesses the human capital, natural resources and entrepreneurial spirit required to become a model of peace, industrialisation and inclusive development under purposeful leadership.

He urged residents to remain law-abiding, support security agencies with credible information and actively participate in the democratic process.

“As citizens prepare for future elections, they should safeguard their Permanent Voter Cards and use the ballot to elect leaders with the competence, integrity, vision and political will to secure lives, create opportunities and deliver genuine dividends of democracy. Enugu deserves leadership that inspires hope, restores public confidence and places the welfare of the people above every other consideration,” he said.