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By Christian Agadibe
The people of Affa in Udi Local Government Area of Enugu State, under the aegis of the Affa Achala Ukwu Group, have thanked the Enugu State Governor, Dr. Peter Mbah, for his efforts towards the successful rescue of residents who were recently abducted by kidnappers.
The rescue has brought a measure of relief to the affected families and the wider community, many of whom had been living in fear and uncertainty. For the people of Affa, the governor’s response demonstrates the government’s concern for the safety and wellbeing of the citizens.
While commending the governor for the intervention, Chief James Nnebedum Ibe, appealed to him to fulfill his promises to Ndi Affa, particularly in the areas of security, infrastructure, and basic social amenities. Ibe identified the deplorable condition of roads connecting various communities in Affa as one of the most pressing concerns facing the people.
He said poor and inaccessible roads have negatively affected economic and social activities, while creating isolated areas that could be exploited as hideouts by criminal elements.
He appealed to the state government to urgently rehabilitate roads across Affa and ensure that they remain accessible, particularly at night. He noted that a functional road network would not only improve movement and economic activities but, also, enable security agencies to respond more quickly to emergencies.
Speaking on behalf of Affa Achala Ukwu Ezumezu, Peter Amadiozonwu, popularly known as Ezeudene España, raised concerns about the lack of adequate electricity and street lighting in many parts of Affa. He said several communities are left in darkness at night, creating an atmosphere of fear and making some areas more vulnerable to criminal activities. He also appealed for urgent provision of reliable electricity and functional streetlights across the communities.
“Security cannot be separated from development. Communities that remain in darkness and are more vulnerable to criminal activities,” he said.
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He also bemoaned the inadequate political and administrative representation for the communities in Affa, urging that the INEC
officials should visit the community for voters’ registration, as many people have not registered. He said there is a strong feeling among residents that the area was left behind whenever decisions concerning development and government attention were being made.
He appealed to Governor Mbah to ensure that the concerns of Ndi Affa receive appropriate representation and attention at the relevant levels of government. He said Affa lacks adequate healthcare facilities capable of responding effectively to emergencies within the communities.
He explained that residents with serious health challenges often have to travel considerable distances before accessing appropriate medical care, a situation that becomes particularly dangerous during emergencies. He appealed to the state government to establish a functional healthcare centre in Affa, properly equipped to provide basic medical and emergency services.
The condition of schools in the area was also described as a source of concern, with the residents calling for improved educational facilities, better learning environments, and the necessary support to ensure that children in Affa are not disadvantaged because of where they live.
He further raised concerns about insecurity across several villages in the Affa community and alleged that the insecurity has affected farming activities. He also raised concerns over reports of sexual violence against women in some areas and called for urgent and sustained government intervention to protect residents, secure rural communities, and restore confidence among the people.
The people said they were not asking for special favours but for development, security, effective representation, and the opportunity to live safely and meaningfully in their ancestral communities.
