A non-partisan and socio-cultural organisation in Nsukka Cultural Zone under the aegis of Nkpokote Nsukka Development Forum (NNDF) has expressed concern over the recent surge in insecurity in the area.
The forum said the ugly development of kidnappings and killings have brought untold hardship and fear to the people of the area.
The forum whose membership are
drawn from the seven local government areas; Nsukka, Igboeze-South, Igboeze-North, Udenu, Igbo-Etiti, Uzo-Uwani, and Isi-Uzo, said this in Nsukka on Sunday while briefing newsmen.
Addressing newsmen, Chief Bartholomew Ugwoke, the President General of the forum flanked by other executives and other 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 on kidnappings and killings in our cultural zone has been deeply disturbing to the forum.
“Communities such as Nimbo, Opanda, and Igga in Uzo-Uwani LGA, Eha-Amufu, and Neke in Isi-Uzo LGA, among others have been under constant attack by suspected armed herdsmen, we believe that an attack on one is an attack on all of us.
” 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 some neighbouring northern states that are currently hotbeds for insecurity.
“We commend Gov Peter Mbah of Enugu State for setting up the Security Command and Control Centre in Enugu metropolis and urge him to establish a similar monitoring centre in Nsukka cultural zone,” he said.
The NNDF boss also draw 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 movement of our people.
The President General expressed the forum readiness to support security initiatives across the Nsukka cultural zone.
“We had mobilised resources to clear the bush in Opi-Ugwogo-Nike road in the past, but we suspended the project when we learnt that the road was awarded for dualization by Enugu State government.
” We have written to request for an audience with , the Governor of Enugu State so as 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,”he said
The forum urged community leaders, youth groups, and religious organisations 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 Centres 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 always 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 Nsukka cultural zone,” Ugwoke added.