09/03/2026
Dear Mayor, Hon Echezona Anazodo
Chairman, Nnewi North Local Government Area,
Written by Mogbo Kenny Ifeanyi
I wish to respectfully bring to your notice an unfortunate experience that occurred yesterday, 8th March 2026, which I believe you may not be fully aware of, as your vehicle was positioned in the middle of your convoy.
At about 6:00pm yesterday evening at Nnewi Roundabout, close to First Bank, while I was returning from a Sunday outing on my motorcycle, I encountered a very frightening situation. I noticed people suddenly running in different directions, helter-skelter, clearly in fear for their lives. Confused, I stopped and asked a man who had jumped into a gutter and was visibly shaking what the problem was. With difficulty, he replied, “Unknown gunmen.”
Immediately, the lady I was carrying on the bike jumped down in panic. She fell but managed to run into a nearby mechanic workshop where she hid herself. The entire area was filled with fear and chaos. In the rush to escape, an elderly woman fell into a gutter and sustained injuries. Motorcycles and cars collided as people desperately tried to flee the scene. Several people were injured and some vehicles were damaged in the confusion.
To my greatest surprise, moments later it became clear that the panic was caused by members of your security team attempting to clear the road for your convoy. When I eventually saw your convoy pass, I was deeply saddened.
At that moment, I heard a woman lament in Igbo, “Eche nwa m, ọ bụkwanụ na ụdịrị a?” — expressing shock that such fear could be caused in the name of clearing the road for our Mayor.
Your Excellency, I said to myself that perhaps you were not aware of the situation because the Eche we know and respect would never knowingly allow such distress to be inflicted on his own people—especially at a location so symbolic, right in front of your telecommunications shop where many remember your humble beginnings.
Sir, many people left that scene shaken and disappointed. I sincerely believe that if you were fully aware of the extent of the panic and injuries caused, you would also feel concerned.
With utmost respect, I humbly suggest that a word of caution be given to members of your security team so that such incidents do not happen again. Actions like these, if unchecked, could unintentionally dent the good reputation and goodwill you have built among your people over the years.
Thank you for your attention, and I remain hopeful that this concern will be addressed in the spirit of leadership and care that the people of Nnewi have always associated with you.
Respectfully.
