By Oyem Jonathan.
The Executive Chairman of Aniocha South Local Government Council, Hon. Pastor Jude Chukwunwike , has reiterated his administration’s unwavering commitment to strengthening the security architecture of the local government, assuring residents that the relative peace currently enjoyed across communities would be sustained and further improved.
The Council Chairman gave the assurance on Wednesday when he convened a high level security meeting involving heads of security and law enforcement agencies, traditional rulers, community leaders, vigilante groups and other critical stakeholders at the Council Secretariat, Ogwashi Uku.
Chukwunwike, while welcoming the participants, noted that the Ember Months traditionally come with heightened security risks, requiring proactive measures, intelligence sharing and stronger inter agency collaboration to prevent crime and criminality.
He said his administration would deepen its support for security agencies operating within the local government, stressing that the Council would continue to provide the necessary institutional and logistical support to enable security personnel discharge their responsibilities effectively.
The Chairman also sought comprehensive situation reports from the various security agencies and relevant stakeholders on the prevailing security situation across the local government, emerging threats and areas requiring urgent intervention.
Responding to the Chairman’s request, the Divisional Police Officers of Ogwashi Uku and Nsukwa Divisions reported that their respective areas of jurisdiction had remained relatively calm and peaceful, while assuring the Council of continued police presence, surveillance and operational readiness.
The representative of the Department of State Services, DSS, in Aniocha South, Mrs. Okeke Nkeiru, however, drew attention to emerging security concerns, particularly land disputes, land grabbing and alleged incursions into farmlands by herders.
She identified the lingering security concerns around Edo Ogwashi Uku and Otulu, including issues involving Okwabani (caretakers), and called for the proper profiling of herders and other persons operating within vulnerable areas as part of efforts to strengthen intelligence gathering and prevent escalation of conflicts.
Mrs. Okeke also raised concerns over the alleged destruction of crops in Olloh Ogwashi and Ewulu communities, urging relevant authorities and stakeholders to intensify monitoring and engagement to prevent disputes between farmers and herders.
The representative of the Vehicle Inspection Office, VIO, disclosed that the agency had successfully registered a significant number of foreign nationals within its operational area and appealed for greater support and collaboration from stakeholders to improve service delivery and regulatory compliance.
The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, NDLEA, while briefing the meeting, highlighted its operational successes in disrupting drug cartels and syndicates within the local government.
The agency called for increased community intelligence and timely information from residents to enable it identify and dismantle drug distribution networks, apprehend drug dealers and curb the proliferation and abuse of illicit substances.
The representative of the Ogwashi Uku Custodial Centre also highlighted the challenges confronting the facility, particularly overcrowding and overstretched infrastructure.
According to the representative of the Nigerian Correctional Service, the facility is also confronted with leaking roofs and other infrastructural deficiencies, while the centre requires improved mobility to facilitate the transportation of inmates to court for judicial proceedings.
The Vigilante Group, alongside representatives of the Igbo community and non indigenous residents in Aniocha South, pledged to sustain their collaboration with the Council and security agencies, noting that the improved security situation had restored confidence and relative peace across the local government.
The Fulani community, represented by its counsel, condemned the clashes recorded in the past between herders and host communities, describing them as unfortunate and unacceptable.
He disclosed that the Fulani community and Miyetti Allah leadership had commenced engagements aimed at strengthening peaceful coexistence and brokering sustainable peace between herders and host communities.
He appealed for logistical support to facilitate wider engagement with members of the Fulani community and advance the peace building process.
Speaking on behalf of the traditional institution, the Obi of Ubulu Uno, HRM Obi Henry Kikachukwu Afamefunne (JP), observed that the Ember Months often come with significant security challenges and called for increased surveillance, intelligence gathering and visibility of security personnel across communities.
The monarch, however, expressed concern over alleged extortion at security checkpoints, urging security personnel to distinguish between legitimate enforcement duties and activities that could undermine public confidence in security institutions.
Obi Kikachukwu also called for the regulation and profiling of scrap metal dealers, popularly known as scrap business operators, noting the need to monitor persons involved in the purchase and movement of condemned metal and waste materials to prevent the business from being exploited for criminal purposes.
He urged the Vehicle Inspection Office to be more proactive in enforcing traffic regulations, particularly the indiscriminate parking of articulated vehicles and other vehicles along road shoulders, which he said creates discomfort for motorists and other road users and could constitute avoidable security and safety risks.
The traditional ruler further advocated stronger inter agency collaboration in tackling drug abuse, urging the NDLEA to work closely with traditional institutions, community leaders, youth organisations and other stakeholders to combat drug trafficking and substance abuse at the grassroots.
He equally called on the Nigeria Immigration Service to intensify the registration and documentation of foreign nationals residing or operating within Aniocha South, describing proper profiling and documentation as important components of community safety, intelligence gathering and crime prevention.
The meeting underscored the importance of sustained intelligence led policing, community based security, inter agency coordination and early warning mechanisms in maintaining peace across Aniocha South.
The Council Chairman reaffirmed his administration’s readiness to work with all security formations, traditional institutions, communities and other stakeholders to address identified threats, strengthen preventive security measures and ensure that residents, businesses and visitors continue to enjoy a safe and secure environment throughout the Ember Months and beyond.
