The Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Taoreed Lagbaja, has pledged increased military presence in Enugu State to address security concerns, particularly in the Isi-Uzo Local Government Area.
On Tuesday, during a courtesy visit to Governor Peter Mbah at the Government House in Enugu, the Chief of Army Staff assured of increased military presence in Enugu State, particularly in the Isi-Uzo Local Government Area.
The visit was part of the COAS’s operational tour of the 82 Division of the Nigerian Army.
In response to Governor Mbah’s request for the construction of a military barracks in Isi-Uzo LGA, Lt. Gen. Lagbaja affirmed that the Nigerian Army’s objective aligns with that of the government and the people of Enugu State in purging the society of criminal elements.
Reports state that the devastation in Eha-Amufu, Isi-Uzo council area, inflicted by killer herdsmen, resulting in the burning of 20 farm settlements and the loss of over 126 lives between September 2021 and December 2022.
Additionally, the roads leading to the council area headquarters in Ikem have become perilous due to kidnappers, particularly along the Ikem-Neke-Ugwuogo-Nike Road.
Addressing the governor’s request, the Chief of Army Staff pledged to deploy additional personnel to Isi-Uzo Local Government Area to address insecurity and combat criminal activities in the region.
“I have been assured of the support of the Governor of Enugu State as well as the other governors in the South-East to create a stable, peaceful, and enabling environment for the economy of the South-East to thrive.”
“The desire of the Nigerian Army aligns perfectly with that of the government and the good people of Enugu State, and that is to rid our society of criminal elements and to ensure that peace and stability prevail for law-abiding citizens going about their lawful businesses.
“I have taken note of the brief of the GOC, 82 Division, and even my private chat with His Excellency, Dr. Peter Mbah, the governor. The Army Headquarters will address all issues raised, including having boots on the ground in Isi-Uzo with the desire to rid the area of criminal elements and to ensure that economic activities thrive in that area.
“The army headquarters will take steps to address some dark areas that have been pointed out in a bid to expand the frontiers of our peace and stability in this state.
“I also want to pledge the continued support of the formations and other units of the Nigerian Army to the effort of the Enugu State Government to ensure that peace reigns in the state. The Nigerian Army will continue to remain a loyal and worthy partner to you towards realising your wonderful plans for the people of Enugu State.”
The governor had previously earnestly appealed to the Chief of Army Staff to enhance military operations, allowing the state to effectively manage the prevailing tension in certain areas.
Expressing gratitude for the unwavering efforts and dedication of the army chief and his personnel in safeguarding the state, the governor noted that Enugu residents now resume their regular activities on Mondays, signaling the cessation of the previously declared sit-at-home orders by the separatist Indigenous People of Biafra.
Assuring ongoing support, the governor pledged that the state government would continue to provide necessary assistance to the military, aiming to sustain and enhance the security situation in Enugu State.
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