The Ebonyi State governor, Rt. Hon. Francis Nwifuru, has appealed for deployment of more military personnel to Effium community, to assist in quenching the commual crisis between the Effium and Ezza-Effium people, which has lingered for over for years now.
Governor Nwifuru made the appeal when he received the General Officer Commanding 82 Division of the Nigerian Army, Major General Hassan Taiwo Dada, who was in his office in Abakaliki on a courtesy visit.
Governor Nwifuru maintained that the State was witnessing security challenges and said that the military will play a major role in bringing peace to the area.
“We have a challenge security wise and that is the crises in Effium between Effium and Ezza-Effium.
“I want the GOC to do everything possible to mobilise more of his men to move to the community to clamp down on the criminals posing as warlords.
“I am delighted and confident that with the kind of person you are, I am sure you are well equipped to do the job and do it very well,” the governor stated.
He commended the Nigerian Army for its gallantry in protecting the nation’s territorial integrity over the years.
Nwifuru particularly appreciated the Army for its pivotal roles in complementing sister security agencies to stem the tide of insecurity in the State.
“Let me on behalf of the State and friends of the State thank the GOC for your show of love and understanding.
“I am delighted seeing alot of commitment on what Army and sister agencies have done in Ebonyi and it gives me the confidence that very soon we will get it right in terms of security of lives and property in the State.
“You are not doing that for your personal gains, you are doing it that Ebonyians might have peace and do their businesses,” he added.
Earlier, the GOC, 82 Division, Enugu, Major General Hassan Taiwo Dada, said he was in the State to seek areas of possible partnership with the Government, and to ensure security of lives and property in the State.
“In terms of insecurity in this State, I have been mandated to ensure that is removed and I am here to clampdown on it here and every other South-East State,” he reiterated.
The GOC restated the determination of the Army to give its best to the security of lives and property in Ebonyi State and Nigeria at large.