By Christopher Oji
Executive chairman of Uzo-Uwani Local Government Enugu State, Chijioke Ezugwu, at the weekend, embarked on massive clearance of forests along major roads in the area to prevent ambushes by kidnappers and other criminal elements.
Similarly, he has established community farm protection squads aimed at safeguarding agricultural areas and ensuring that farmers can carry out their work without fear of violence or destruction of crops.
A statement from his media adviser, Kingsley Onyeji, said the initiative was geared towards eliminating hiding places for criminals and improving road safety.
According to him, by removing overgrown vegetation and ensuring that key routes are well maintained, the council will effectively reduce the risk of ambushes, making travel safer for residents and visitors alike.
“Uzo-Uwani has long been plagued by road ambushes, with criminals targeting travellers on key routes such as Ezukolo, Abbi, Nrobo and Nimbo roads, and they have not only caused physical harm to individuals but also contributed to the general sense of insecurity within the communities.
“That is why the local government has undertaken the clearing of strategic roadsides to eliminate hiding spots for criminals and improve road safety.
“The chairman also created a rapid response team within the Neighbourhood Watch, equipped with vans and other modern communication systems, and the team was designed to respond immediately to distress calls and emergency situations.”
Onyeji said the team has played a crucial role in minimizing the time between when a threat is identified and when it is addressed, thereby reducing the opportunity for criminals to operate undetected.
He stated that, “The team was trained to handle various types of emergencies, from violent attacks to robberies and road accidents. Their quick action has helped contain many incidents before they could escalate to larger, more violent confrontations, ensuring that the community remains safe and secure at all times.”
The spokesman enumerated other security measures taken by the chairman, including the recruitment and restructuring of the 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 stakeholder 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 a series of multifaceted and innovative security initiatives aimed at improving security, especially in rural and agricultural areas that have long been vulnerable to criminal activities.
“To this end, he has 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 unwholesome practices would be decisively dealt with,” he said.