Aleke Aleke in Abuja
The Executive Chairman of Uzo-Uwani LGA in Enugu State, Barr. Chijioke Ezugwu, has embarked on a massive clearance of forests in major roads in the area over the weekend to combat ambushes by kidnappers and other criminal elements.
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Ezugwu also established community farm protection squads as part of an effort to safeguard agricultural areas and ensure farmers could carry out their work without constant fear of violence or crop destruction.
A statement by his media aide, Kingsley Onyeji, said the initiative aimed to eliminate hiding spots for criminals and improve road safety.
According to him, removing overgrown vegetation and maintaining key routes effectively reduces the risk of road ambushes, making travel safer for residents and visitors.
The Chairman also charged traditional rulers in the area to avoid engaging in any form of land deals with foreigners who later turn out to be criminals and attack their people, warning that henceforth, any traditional ruler seen to be involved in such an unwholesome practice would be dealt with decisively.
He said: “Uzo-Uwani has long been plagued by road ambushes, with criminals targeting travellers on key routes such as Ezukolo, Abbi, Nrobo, and Nimbo roads. These have not only caused physical harm to individuals but have contributed to the general sense of insecurity within the communities. That is why i have undertaken the clearing of strategic roads to eliminate hiding spots for criminals and improve road safety. I also created a rapid response team within the neighbourhood watch, equipped with vans and modern communication systems, designed to respond immediately to distress calls and emergency situations.”
Ezugwu said the team has played a crucial role in minimizing the time between when a threat was identified and when it was addressed, thereby reducing the opportunity for criminals to operate undetected.
The team, he said was trained to handle various types of emergencies, from violent attack to robberies road accidents.
“Their quick action has helped contain many incidents before they could escalate into larger, more violent confrontations, assuring that the community remains safe and secure at all times,” he stated.
He said that other security measures taken by the Chairman includes: “recruitment and restructuring of neighbourhood watch, establishment of community farm protection squads, enhancement of intelligence gathering, procurement of security equipment, strengthening collaboration with formal security agencies, community sensitization and stakeholders engagement.”
He added that the Chairman has been at the forefront of tackling the persistent security challenges that have plagued his area and has, since assumption of office, implemented series of multifaceted and innovative security initiatives aimed at improving security, especially in ritual and agricultural areas that have long been vulnerable to criminal activities.
