Ebonyi State Governor Francis Nwifuru yesterday appealed for deployment of more military personnel to Effium to assist in the crisis between Effium and Ezza-Effium people which has lingered for over four years.
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.
Nwifuru maintained that the state was having security challenges and the military would play a major role in bringing peace to the area.
“We have a challenge security wise and that is the crisis in Effium between Effium and Ezza-Effium.
“I want the GOC to do everything possible to mobilise more of his men to the community to clampdown on the criminals posing as war lords.
“I am delighted and confident that with the kind of person you are, you are well equipped to do the job and do it very well,” he said.
He commended the Nigerian Army for its effort in protecting the nation’s territorial integrity over the years.
He appreciated the army for its pivotal role 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 a lot of commitment on what the 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 said.
Earlier, Major General Dada said he was in the state to seek areas of possible partnership with the government to ensure security of lives and property.
“In terms of insecurity in this state, I have been mandated to ensure that it is removed and I am here to clampdown on it,” he said.
The GOC restated the determination of the army to give its best on the security of lives and property in Ebonyi State and across Nigeria.
