A group, Nkpokote Nsukka Development Forum (NNDF), has expressed readiness to partner with the Enugu State government to fight insecurity in the state.
The forum said it was prepared to contribute ideas, mobilise resources, and build partnerships to complement the government’s efforts in security initiatives.
In a statement signed by its President, Barrister Barthlomew Ugwuoke, and Secretary General, Engr. Emeka Agbo, after a press conference, the forum noted that meaningful development cannot be achieved without a secure environment.
The non-partisan socio-cultural and developmental civil society group, comprising distinguished sons and daughters of the Nsukka cultural zone, commended the Enugu State Governor, Dr. Peter Mbah, for setting up the security command and control centre in Enugu metropolis and urged him to establish a similar monitoring centre in Nsukka.
It decried the recent surge in insecurity, kidnappings, and killings in Nsukka cultural zone, saying the development has been deeply disturbing.
The group noted: “Communities such as Nimbo, Opanda, and Igga in Uzo-Uwani LGA, Eha-Amufu, and Neke in Isi-Uzo LGA, and others have been affected. The frequent kidnappings on the Opi-Ugwogo-Nike axis have also brought untold hardship and fear to our people. Given our geographical location, which shares boundaries with neighbouring northern Benue and Kogi states that are current hotbeds, we believe that collective action now is very imperative.”
The group explained that its core value is promoting security, good governance, and sustainable development within the Nsukka cultural zone.
“The security of life and property in our seven local government areas is our top priority. We believe that an attack on one is an attack on all. Today, we officially announce the presence of the Nkpokote Nsukka Development Forum and our readiness to support security initiatives across the Nsukka cultural zone.
“We had mobilised resources to clear the Opi-Ugwogo-Nike road in the past, but we suspended the project when we learnt that the road was awarded for dualisation. We have written to request an audience with His Excellency, the governor of Enugu State, to explore avenues for collaboration, particularly in supporting the Enugu State Security Trust Fund”, the group stated.
Nkpokote Nsukka said it was mobilising funds to support the Enugu State Security Trust Fund and believed that a partnership between government and community groups will yield meaningful solutions to security challenges.
“We call on all sons and daughters of the Nsukka cultural zone, made up of Nsukka LGA, Igbo Eze South LGA, Igbo Etiti LGA, Uzo Uwani LGA, Igbo Eze North LGA, Udenu LGA, and Isi Uzo LGA, to support the state government’s initiatives”, the forum said.
It urged community leaders, youth groups, and religious organisations to join hands in creating local vigilance and intelligence structures to combat insecurity, adding that, security is a collective responsibility, and that together, the forces that threaten the people’s peace and safety can be defeated.
The forum also drew the state government’s attention to the erosion that has cut off connecting roads between Nkpologu and Aku, on the one hand and Lejja and Aku on the other hand affecting the livelihoods of the people.
It further commended Governor Mbah for his proactive leadership and commitment to repositioning Enugu State for greater security and prosperity.
The forum expressed appreciation for the governor’s infrastructural initiatives, including the dualisation of the Opi-Ugwogo-Nike road, and the establishment of Green Smart Schools and Type 2 Primary Healthcare Centres, and urged the state government to prioritise the completion of the projects in Nsukka cultural zone.
“The Nkpokote Nsukka Development Forum pledges its unwavering support to the government’s efforts and remains a ready partner in building a peaceful, secure, and thriving Enugu State”, the group said.
