By Douglas Princemola
The Chairman of Ohaji-Egbema Local Government Area, Hon. Prince Amadioha Marcelinus, has unveiled a series of measures aimed at tackling insecurity, including the establishment of a new security committee and a Land Dispute and Conflict Resolution Committee.
The announcement comes amid growing public concern over recent kidnapping incidents and widespread reports alleging that Fulani herdsmen were behind the attacks.
Addressing stakeholders, the chairman dismissed the allegations, saying that security intelligence available to the local government does not support the claims.
According to him, Fulani herdsmen are not operating within Ohaji-Egbema, stressing that the council has consistently prevented their entry into the area.
Instead, he attributed the recent kidnappings to local criminal gangs, assuring residents that security agencies are already on their trail and that arrests will soon be made.
Amadioha called on community members to be more vigilant and security-conscious, urging them to properly identify and monitor unfamiliar persons entering their communities to prevent criminal infiltration.
He disclosed that the local government’s security architecture has been strengthened, with traditional rulers, security agencies, and community leaders working together to develop new strategies to combat insecurity.
The chairman acknowledged that the LGA has experienced security challenges in recent times but said his administration is determined to restore peace and ensure those responsible are brought to justice.
Reflecting on previous security efforts, Amadioha recalled how suspected herdsmen were prevented from establishing camps in neighbouring areas, maintaining that the council has always acted quickly against external security threats.
He also identified unresolved community disputes and internal conflicts as factors contributing to insecurity, warning that disagreements among stakeholders often create opportunities for criminal elements to thrive.
To address these issues, he announced the creation of the Land Dispute and Conflict Resolution Committee, which will focus on resolving communal and land-related disagreements before they develop into violence.
He explained that peaceful communities are less vulnerable to crime, noting that residents are more likely to unite against suspicious individuals when there is trust and cooperation among them.
According to the chairman, the newly inaugurated committee will report directly to the Office of the Secretary to the Local Government and the LGA Security Council, allowing its recommendations to be reviewed and acted upon without delay.
Amadioha assured residents that every available resource would be used to restore lasting peace across Ohaji-Egbema.
He urged the people to remain calm, cooperate with security agencies, and continue providing useful information that will help efforts to eliminate criminal activities from the local government area.
