In a bid to tackle the rising wave of criminal activities in Enugu State, the Nigerian Senate has passed a resolution directing the inspector-general of police, the chief of army staff, and the director-general of the Department of State Services (DSS) to take immediate action against the criminals terrorizing the Uzo-Uwani local government area.
This resolution came after Senator Okey Ezea, representing Enugu North district, moved a motion in the Senate to address the incessant killings in Uzo-Uwani. Senator Ezea passionately brought to the attention of Nigerians the recent carnage in Uzo-Uwani’s Nimbo community, where four people were brutally murdered, and many others sustained injuries.
In his motion, Senator Ezea called on his colleagues to condemn this heinous act and rally behind the resolution to intensify efforts in apprehending the fleeing assailants. The Senate engaged in a thorough debate on the motion and subsequently passed several resolutions to address the issue comprehensively.
The Senate’s resolutions include urging the Inspector General of Police, the Chief of Army Staff, and the Director-General of the DSS to conduct a thorough investigation, make arrests, and ensure the prosecution of the criminal elements responsible for terrorizing the local government. Additionally, they called on the Inspector General of Police and the Chief of Army Staff to establish a strong police and military presence in the Uzo-Uwani Local Government Area to permanently halt the incessant killings.
To ensure compliance and find lasting solutions, the Senate mandated the relevant committees on Legislative Compliance, Police Affairs, and National Security and Intelligence to monitor and ensure the implementation of the resolutions. Furthermore, the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) were urged to promptly provide relief materials to the victims of the Uzo-Uwani killings, easing the effects of these unwarranted attacks.
The Uzo-Uwani local government area has been plagued by several killings and abductions, primarily attributed to rampaging herdsmen in communities like Adani and Nimbo. Despite promises from both the state and federal governments to address the issue, the killings and abductions have persisted, causing grief and fear among the affected communities.
The first major attack in the Uzo-Uwani local government area occurred on April 25, 2016, when 46 people were tragically killed by herdsmen in Nimbo. The continuous violence has created growing tension in the area, raising concerns about the potential impact on the nation’s food security. Uzo-Uwani is known for its significant contributions to the nation’s food basket, and if the persistent killings are left unchecked, it may exacerbate the already existing food insecurity challenges.
Furthermore, there is also a fear that the affected communities may be abandoned by the locals, leading to an increase in rural-urban migration—a growing menace in the country. The Senate’s resolution aims to address these pressing concerns and restore peace and security to the troubled Uzo-Uwani local government area.
