…Forest Clearing, Community Farm Protection Squads, and Rapid Response Team Formed to Combat Kidnappers, Other Criminals
Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!In a bid to combat the rising wave of insecurity in his domain, the Executive Chairman of Uzo-Uwani Local Government Area in Enugu State, Barr Ezugwu Chijioke, has embarked on a massive clearance of forests along major roads in the area.
According to the Special Adviser to the Chairman on Media, Chief Kingsley Onyeji, the exercise is aimed at eliminating hiding spots for kidnappers and other criminal elements, who have been terrorizing travelers on key routes such as Ezukolo, Abbi, Nrobo, and Nimbo roads.
“The Chairman’s initiative is geared towards improving road safety and making travel safer for residents and visitors alike,” Chief Onyeji explained. “By removing overgrown vegetation and ensuring that key routes are well-maintained, we are effectively reducing the risk of road ambushes and making it difficult for criminals to operate undetected.”
In addition to the forest clearing exercise, the Chairman has also established community farm protection squads to safeguard agricultural areas and ensure that farmers can work without fear of violence or destruction of crops.
Furthermore, a rapid response team has been formed within the neighborhood watch, equipped with vans and modern communication systems, to respond quickly to distress calls and emergency situations.
Chief Onyeji revealed that the team has been trained to handle various types of emergencies, from violent attacks to robberies and road accidents. “Their quick action has helped contain many incidents before they could escalate into larger, more violent confrontations, ensuring that the community remains safe and secure at all times,” he added.
Other security measures implemented by the Chairman include the recruitment and restructuring of the neighborhood watch, enhancement of intelligence gathering, procurement of security equipment, strengthening collaboration with formal security agencies, community sensitization, and stakeholder engagement.
In a stern warning, the Chairman has also charged traditional rulers in the area to avoid engaging in any form of land deals with foreigners who may later turn out to be criminals and attack their people. “Henceforth, any traditional ruler seen to be involved in such unwholesome practice will be decisively dealt with,” Chief Onyeji quoted the Chairman as saying.
The Chairman’s bold steps to tackle insecurity in the area have been widely commended by residents and stakeholders, who expressed optimism that the initiatives will go a long way in restoring peace and security in the community.