Enough is enough: Governor Mbah promises as he attacks Nimbo over herdsmen killings

Enugu State Governor, Dr. Peter Mbah, has described the recent attack that resulted in the death of four natives in Nimbo as unacceptable to his administration, promising that enough is enough as the government would locate and hold accountable the attackers.

DAILY POST earlier reported that while the attack, which occurred on Sunday night, claimed the lives of about four residents, many others were seriously injured.

Mbah described the attack as a collective tragedy for the entire state and assured that the government would work with the community and security stakeholders to strengthen security not only in Nimbo but also in the entire Uzo Uwani LGA.

This occurred even when the Nimbo community asked for the strengthening of its forest guards and neighborhood watch, emphasizing that its attackers always came from neighboring states, taking advantage of the remoteness of their community.

An enraged Mbah spoke during a visit to Nimbo community on Monday, accompanied by the state Commissioner of Police, Mr Kanayo Uzuegbu; the state director of the State Security Services, Theresa Egbunu; Garrison Commander, 82 Division, Nigerian Army, Enugu, Brigadier General Murtala Abu; and the Coordinator of Enugu State Forest Guards, Matthew Obodoechi.

He said: “Let me assure you that enough is enough. I don’t think we allow our hospitality to be taken for granted. We hope that the people who have come to mingle with us also respect the rules and laws of our land.

“I don’t think we really have any reason to exist as a government if we cannot ensure the safety of our people because the primary purpose of government is to ensure the safety and well-being of its citizens. Therefore, a situation in which our people went to bed with both eyes open must end. And it must end immediately.

“I want to assure you that we are going to deploy everything within our reach; and I mean everything: the law, the forces, everything that is necessary so that we can guarantee your safety.

“We are really hurt by such cowardly murders committed by people who trespass on the property, enter the town of our people, who live peacefully in their surroundings, and open fire on them. “That is inexcusable and unacceptable, and we are going to identify, track down these culprits, hunt them down wherever they are, capture them and make sure we bring them to justice.”

Governor Mbah, who had earlier visited and expressed his condolences to each of the bereaved families before holding an interactive session with community leaders and members, promised to work on their recommendations and requests for representation in government and strengthening of your local security resources.

“We have listened to the issues you raised on how to ensure that the people of Nimbo are integrated into the government. Let’s do just that. Your voice has been heard.

“I would also like to inform you that we will not abandon you in this time of need. In the future, the government will be responsible for victims being treated, including those who return to the orthopedic hospital. We will bear the cost.

“To all the survivors of the victims of this cowardly act, let us ensure that their suffering is reduced. We will ensure that children do not suffer any more than they have already suffered from losing a parent. We will make sure they go to school through our scholarships and those who need jobs, we will give them jobs.

“But the most important thing is to know that enough is enough and that we will never have to go through this again,” Mbah said.

Meanwhile, speaking earlier on behalf of the community, the President General of Nimbo, Mr. Clement Akachukwu, said his community had been preyed upon by his attackers for decades due to the remoteness of Nimbo.

While thanking Governor Mbah for his prompt response, he called on the government to strengthen the Nimbo neighborhood watch and forest guards to complement the security agencies. He called for the community’s inclusion in government appointments as they had no say in the government.

“You can see for yourself that Nimbo lives on the outskirts of Enugu State. We live directly in the border area and they arrive at any moment, kill and return.

“It has been repeated again and now, not only one person, but four were murdered. About two months ago they kidnapped several people, but they were rescued, although the kidnappers escaped. It’s been like this for years, even before I was born.

“So, we only need one thing. We have community watchmen. I hope they can be strengthened and more can be brought in and paid well to do the work because here we need 24-hour surveillance. These attackers know very well all the routes in the villages and bushes. We need our local vigilantes to get stronger because they can match them. The width and length of our farmland is enormous,” Akachukwu said.