Barely a month after a stakeholders meeting in Afikpo North local government area (LGA) of Ebonyi state, Chairman of the council, Hon. Ogbonnia Oko Enyim, has held another meeting with security agencies; “to curtail incessant cult activities being witnessed across various communities the local government.”
The meeting held Tuesday at the Council headquarters had in attendance representatives of different security agencies in the local government, including the Nigeria Police Force, Nigeria Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Nigeria Immigration Service, among others.
In his opening remarks on the occasion, Chairman of the council, Hon. Ogbonnia Oko Enyim, said that, though he has been receiving support from the different security agencies, the meeting was particularly pertinent for the exchange of ideas on how to keep the local government safe.
He said: “Our security agencies have been particularly impressive. For instance, just yesterday, we had a screening of all political appointees and applicants for different political positions from the local government. Many people expected different kinds of trouble, but our security agencies lived up to expectations.
“However, there is need for this internal security meeting; in order for us to exchange ideas on how to keep Afikpo North local government area safe. You need a peaceful environment to be able to achieve anything. If the environment is hostile, you can never think effectively or achieve anything worthwhile, because of security threats.”
Also, the Area Commander of Afikpo North LGA, ACP Shaibu Audu, said that the police have been getting much needed support from the council and promised not to rest on his oars to achieve maximum security.
“This is a peace and security meeting. It is for the peaceful existence of the country, especially Afikpo North LGA. The Chairman has been doing very well in terms of support to the police and we will make sure to do our best in securing the environment,” he said.
On his part, Commander of NDLEA in Afikpo, CSN Bukar Waziri, said that the greatest challenge of the agency is in combating drug abuse among youths, even as he mapped out flash points and other challenges.
“The major problem we have in Afikpo is with regards to drug abuse. Amangballa, Amasiri and Unwana are flashpoints. We have been arresting and prosecuting suspects. However, we have a challenge of movement. Our vehicle was vandalised at Ozizza, to discourage movement, but we are still operating. We occasionally receive support from elders in different communities, especially Mgbom and we investigate suspects before arresting or releasing them,” he said.
