…lauds Senate intervention
From Jude Chinedu, Enugu
The Civil Liberties Organisation (CLO) has lauded the Nigerian Senate for swiftly addressing the ongoing violence in Uzo-Uwani Local Government Area of Enugu State.
The commendation, contained in a statement by the Executive Director, CLO, Ibuchukwu Ezike on Friday, follows the Senate’s approval of resolutions proposed by Senator Okey Ezea, representing Enugu North Senatorial District.
Senator Ezea had urged the Senate to intervene in the repeated, unprovoked attacks in Uzo-Uwani, highlighting a recent incident in Nimbo Community where four people were killed and many others injured.
The Senate in response directed the Inspector General of Police, the Chief of Army Staff, and the Director General of the Directorate of State Services (DSS) to investigate, arrest, and prosecute those responsible for these attacks.
Additionally, the Senate called on the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) to provide immediate relief to the victims in Nimbo, Adani, and Igga communities.
The CLO’s findings trace the violence back to April 25, 2016, when armed Fulani herdsmen attacked Ukpabi village in Nimbo, resulting in deaths of many villagers, the destruction of farmlands, and the burning of homes.
More recently, clashes between Adani and Igga communities have led to further violence, including the murder of the traditional ruler of Adani community.
Efforts to restore peace have been underway, with the Enugu State Police Commissioner, Anayo Uzuegbu, relocating to Uzo-Uwani to oversee security operations.
Governor Peter Mbah had also directed state security agencies to support these efforts while offering a N10 million reward for information leading to the identification of the attackers.
Injured victims were taken to the National Orthopedic Hospital in Enugu for treatment at the state’s expense.
The CLO called for the Senate Compliance Committee to ensure the rapid deployment of security agencies to Uzo-Uwani, while urging NEMA and the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs to expedite the delivery of relief materials to affected communities.
They praised the Senate, Enugu State Government, and the Enugu State Police Command for their efforts so far, and emphasizes the need for a permanent police presence in Uzo-Uwani to maintain peace in the long term.