Ebonyi State Governor, Francis Nwifuru, yesterday, distributed 10 new Hilux vans to the newly formed Joint Security Task Force (JTF) to tackle insecurity in some parts of the state.
The governor also procured bulletproof vests and gadgets for the JTF. The 10 Hilux vans were branded Ijeoma and painted in yellow colour.
Distributing the vehicles and the gadgets to the JTF, at the old Government House, Abakaliki, the state capital, Governor Nwifuru, who was represented by his deputy, Patricia Obila, commended security agencies in the state for their efforts in ensuring peace and tranquility in the state.
He noted that the provision of the vehicles was in fulfilment of his promise to provide mobility for the security agencies, to combat insecurity in some axis in the state.
“When we give you many assignments, especially pertaining to inter-state security, we have to give you the enablement to succeed, and that is why we are here to celebrate because I call it celebration; celebration of peace, celebration of love, celebration of activity. If you look at the name on the vehicles, you will see Ijeoma. Ijeoma is a great name. Ijeoma, when you look at it, is a divine name, that when you embark on a journey and it is successful, they call it Ijeoma”, the governor stated.
Secretary to the State Government, Professor Grace Umezuruike, said the priority of the state government was the protection of lives and properties. She noted that the governor was worried over the security challenges the state was encountering in some parts of the state, which motivated him to give a marching effort to make sure that the security issues were nipped on the board.
“There were several security council meetings and one of the resolutions was to have a joint security task force and when the resolution was arrived at, our dear governor got into action immediately and provided all that was needed to make sure that this joint security task force is put in motion.
“The task force is called Ijeoma Ebonyi State. And having provided all that was needed to make sure that this task force is functional and, also, up to their duties, we are here, today, for the commissioning and flag-off of this security task force”, she stated.
The state Commissioner of Police, Augustina Ogbodo, and Commandant, Military Cantonment in the state, A.A. Bako, commended the state government for equipping the task force. They noted that the provision of the vehicles and other logistics would enhance the operations of the task force.