From Jude Chinedu, Enugu
Governor of Enugu State, Peter Mbah, has described the recent attack that resulted in the death of four in Nimbo as unacceptable and has vowed to end gruesome attacks on local communities by criminals.
Mbah, who spoke during a visit to Nimbo community, yesterday, said enough was enough as government would track down and bring the attackers to book.
He described the attack as a collective tragedy to the entire state, assuring that government would work with community and security stakeholders to strengthen security not only in Nimbo, but also the entire Uzo Uwani Local Government Area.
He said: “Let me assure you that enough is enough. I don’t think we would allow our hospitality to be taken for granted. We expect people, who have come to mingle with us, to also play by the rules and laws of our land.
“I don’t think we really do have any reason to exist as a government if we cannot guarantee the safety of our people because the primary purpose of government is to guarantee the security and the welfare of its citizens. So, a situation where our people would go to bed with their two eyes open must end. And it must end immediately.
“I want to assure you we are going to deploy everything within our powers; and I mean everything: the law, the forces, everything that is necessary in order for us to guarantee your security.
“We are truly pained by such dastardly killing by people who trespass, come into the locality of our people, who are living quietly within their environment, and open fire on them. That is inexcusable and unacceptable, and we are going to identify, track these culprits, pursue them wherever they are, capture them, and ensure we bring them to justice.”
Governor Mbah, who had earlier visited and condoled with each of the bereaved families before holding an interactive session with the community leaders and members, promised to work on their recommendations and requests for representation in government and strengthening of their local security resources.
“We have listened to you on the issues you raised about making sure the people of Nimbo are integrated into the government. We are going to do just that. Your voice has been heard.
“I also would want to inform you that we shall not abandon you in this time of need. Going forward, the government will be responsible for the victims who are being treated, including those going back to the orthopaedic hospital. We will bear the cost.
“All the survivors of this dastardly act, we are going to ensure their suffering is abated. We are going to make sure the kids do not suffer anymore than they have already suffered by losing a father. We will ensure they go to school through our scholarships and those who need jobs, we are going to give them jobs.
“But more importantly, let it be known that enough is enough, and we will never have to go through this again,” Mbah said.
Meanwhile, speaking on behalf of the community earlier, President General of Nimbo, Clement Akachukwu, said their attackers had preyed on their community for decades due to the remoteness of Nimbo.
While thanking Governor Mbah for his prompt response, he called on the government to strengthen Nimbo Neighbourhood Watch and Forest Guards to complement the security agencies. He called for the inclusion of the community in government appointments, as they had no voice in government.
“You can see for yourself that Nimbo is living on the outskirts of Enugu State. We live directly in the border area, and they come in any time and kill and go back.
“It has repeated itself again and now, not only one person, but four were killed. About two months ago, they kidnapped a number of people, but they were rescued, although the kidnappers escaped. It has been like this for years, even before I was born.
“So, we only need one thing. We have community vigilantes. If only they can be strengthened and if more can be bought and paid well to do the work because we need 24-hour vigilance here.
These attackers know all the routes in the villages and bushes so well. We need our local vigilantes to be strengthened because they can match them. The width and length of our farmlands are so massive” Akachukwu said.
The governor was accompanied on the visit by the Commissioner of Police, Kanayo Uzuegbu; Director, State Security Services, Theresa Egbunu; Garrison Commander, 82 Division, Nigerian Army, Enugu, Murtala Abu; and Coordinator of Enugu State Forest Guards, Matthew Obodoechi.