The Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Taoreed Lagbaja, has promised more military presence in Enugu State to tackle insecurity, especially in the Isi-Uzo Local Government Area of the state.
The Army chief gave the assurance on Tuesday when he paid a courtesy visit to Governor Peter Mbah at the Government House in Enugu.
The COAS was in the state on an operational visit to 82 Division of the Nigerian Army.
Lagbaja, who made the promise while responding to Mbah’s request for the military to build a military barracks in the Isi-Uzo LGA, said the desire of the Nigerian Army aligned perfectly with that of the government and the good people of Enugu State to rid the society of criminal elements.
The PUNCH had reported that Eha-Amufu, a town in Isi-Uzo council area was ravaged by killer herdsmen leading to the burning of 20 farm settlements and the killing of over 126 people between September 2021 and December 2022.
Also, all the roads leading to the council area headquarters in Ikem have become a nightmare for travellers as kidnappers lay siege, especially to Ikem-Neke-Ugwuogo-Nike Road.
Speaking on the request of the governor, the Chief of Army Staff promised to deploy more personnel at Isi-Uzo Local Government Area to combat insecurity and other criminal activities in the area.
“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 earlier made a passionate request to the COAS to increase military operations to enable the state to address the tension in some parts of the state.
While acknowledging the tireless efforts and commitment of the army chief and his men to the security of the state, the governor said Enugu people now go about their business on Mondays, having brought an end to the sit-at-home which used to be declared by the separatist Indigenous People of Biafra.
He promised that the state government would continue to provide necessary support to the military to sustain and improve the state of security in Enugu State.
