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Enugu State Governor, Peter Mbah, has described as unacceptable to his administration, the recent attack that resulted in the death of four natives of Nimbo in Uzo Uwani Local Government Area of the state.
Declaring that enough was enough, Mbah gave the assurance that the attackers will be found and dealt with by the government.
He described the attack as a collective tragedy to the entire state, assuring that the government would work with community and security stakeholders to strengthen security not only in Nimbo, but also the entire Uzo Uwani LGA.
The Eastern Updates reports that this is coming at a time the Nimbo community called for the strengthening of its Forest Guards and Neigbourhood Watch, stressing that their attackers always came from neighbouring states, taking advantage of the remoteness of their community.
An enraged Mbah, who spoke during a visit to the community on Monday, was accompanied by the state’s Commissioner of Police, Mr. Kanayo Uzuegbu; State Director, State Security Services, Theresa Egbunu; Garrison Commander, 82 Division, Nigerian Army, Enugu, Brigadier General Murtala Abu; and Coordinator of Enugu State Forest Guards, Matthew Obodoechina.
He said: “Let me assure you that enough is enough. I don’t think that 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.
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“I don’t think that we really do have any reason to exist as 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 that 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, unacceptable and we are going to identify, track these culprits, pursue them wherever they are, capture them, and ensure that we bring them to justice.”
Governor Mbah, who had earlier visited and condoled 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 about the issues you raised about making sure that the people of Nimbo are integrated into government. We are going to do just that. Your voice has been heard.
“I also would want to inform you we will not abandon you in this time of need. Going forward, the government will be responsible for the victims that are being treated, including those going back to the orthopedic hospital. We will bear the cost.
“All the survivors of victims of this dastardly act, we are going to ensure that their suffering is abated. We are going to make sure that the kids do not suffer anymore than they have already suffered by losing a father. We will ensure that they go to school through our scholarships and those who need job, we are going to give them job.
“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, the President-General of Nimbo, Mr. 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 government to strengthen Nimbo neighbourhood watch and forest guards to complement the security agencies. He called for inclusion of the community in government appointments, as they had no voice in government