Governor Dave Umahi of Ebonyi State on Wednesday, March 31, 2021, ordered the 13 local government council chairmen in the state to immediately form vigilante groups and ensure placement of cross bars at strategic locations across communities in the state.
The measures, according to the state government are meant to forestal further breakdown of law and order in the affected communities and the state at large.
The governor gave the order against the backdrop of Monday’s attack of four communities in the state by herdsmen who killed at least 18 persons, including a Methodist priest, while several others were injured.
He spoke as a survivor narrated how the herders also abducted some women in the communities who are yet to be found.
This is even as the Christian Association of Nigeria, CAN, and South-East caucus of the Senate on Wednesday, March 31, 2021, called on the Inspector-General of Police, IGP, Mohammed Adamu, and heads of other security agencies to quickly fish out those responsible for the carnage for prosecution.
Ebonyi government response
Orji Uchenna Orji, the commissioner for information and state orientation, who disclosed this while briefing newsmen on the outcome of the State Executive Council meeting at old Government House, Abakaliki, said: “EXCO frowned very seriously on the killings at Egedegede Community in Ishielu Local Government Area.
The governor had visited the scene on Wednesday, March 31, 2021, and demanded justice for the victims from the security agencies.
“The LGA chairmen were directed to form local vigilantes and put cross-bars at strategic locations. EXCO directed that 100 Neighbourhood Watch per LGA be deployed to effectively police our various communities.
“EXCO noted the report on Effium/Ezza Effium and commended the efforts of government in establishing additional two mobile police units in the communities and providing additional 600 soldiers to the affected community.
“EXCO considered a report on the activities of the chairman of Ohaukwu Local Government Area and all elected/appointed officials from the Area. EXCO frowned at the actions and inactions of the elected and appointed public office holders which were responsible for the crisis in the area.
“EXCO recommended to Ebonyi State House of Assembly that all elected/appointed officials from Effium and Ezza Effium including the Councilors, the Council Chairman, and the EBHA Member be suspended from office.
“EXCO resolved to place dust to dawn curfew in Effium/Ezza Effium community with effect from 31st March 2021 till normalcy returns to the place. EXCO further resolved that anybody who sends false information or false alarm on the situation in Effium/Ezza Effium shall be prosecuted.
“EXCO approved N843m for the First Phase of earthwork and concreting of a section of the Airport taxiway (1.3Km section). EXCO further approved N117 million for the internal partitioning at international market.”
Source: Vanguard
