A non-partisan and socio-cultural organisation in Nsukka Cultural Zone under the aegis of Nkpokote Nsukka Development Forum (NNDF) has expressed concerns over the recent surge in insecurity, kidnappings, and killings in the area, stating that the ugly developments have brought untold hardship and fear to the people of the area.
The forum whose membership are drawn from the seven local government areas in the Nsukka cultural zone, namely: Nsukka, Igboeze-South, Igboeze-North, Udenu, Igbo-Etiti, Uzo-Uwani, and Isi-Uzo, said this in Nsukka on Saturday while briefing newsmen.
Addressing newsmen in Nsukka at the weekend, Chief Bartholomew Ugwoke, the President General of the forum, flanked by other executives members said that the forum is disturbed by the recent surge in insecurity in terms of kidnappings, and killings in the zone.
"The recent surge in insecurity kidnappings, and killings in our cultural zone has been deeply disturbing.
"Communities such as Nimbo, Opanda, and Igga in Uzo-Uwani LGA, Eha-Amufu, and Neke in Isi-Uzo LGA, and others have been under constant attacks by suspected armed herdsmen.
"The frequent kidnappings on the Opi-Ugwogo-Nike road have also brought untold hardship and fear to our people while travelling on that road.
"We don't know if the surge is because we share geographical boundaries with neighbouring northern states like Benue and Kogi states that are currently hotbeds for insecurity.
"We commend Gov. Mbah, for setting up the security command and control centre in the Enugu metropolis and urge him to establish a similar monitoring centre in Nsukka," he said.
The NNDF boss also drew the state government's attention to serious erosion that has cut off connecting roads between Nkpologu and Aku, and that of Lejja and Aku this has affected the movement and livelihood of our people.
The president General expressed the forum's readiness to support security initiatives across the Nsukka cultural zone.
We had mobilized resources to clear the Opi-Ugwogo-Nike road in the past, but we suspended the project when we learnt that the road was awarded for dualization by the Enugu State government.
"We have written to request an audience with His Excellency, the Governor of Enugu State, to explore avenues for collaboration, particularly in supporting the Enugu State Security Trust Fund.
"We call on all sons and daughters of Nsukka cultural zone to support the state government's initiatives.
We urge community leaders, youth groups, and religious organizations to join hands in creating local vigilance and intelligence structures to combat insecurity.
"Security is a collective responsibility, and together, we can defeat the forces that threaten our peace and safety,"
he said.
The president General of NNDF
commended Gov. Mbah for his proactive leadership and commitment to repositioning Enugu State for greater security and prosperity.
"We appreciate his infrastructural initiatives, including the dualization of the Opi-Ugwogo-Nike road, the establishment of Green Smart Schools and Type 2 Primary Healthcare Centers among others.
"We urge the state government to prioritize the completion of these projects in our cultural zone.
"NNDF pledges its unwavering support to the government's efforts and remains ready to partner in building a peaceful, secure, and thriving Enugu State,
"As NNDF's core values include promoting security, good governance, and sustainable development within the Nsukka cultural zone," Ugwoke added
No comments