Agbaja Leaders of Thought, the umbrella association of Agbaja people in Enugu State, are alarmed by the rising cases of insecurity in Enugu State, especially in communities in Udi and Ezeagu Local Government Areas.
In a statement signed by Very Rev’d (Prof) Chinedu Nebo,
Chairman, Board of Trustees, Agbaja Leaders of Thought, states that “in the past month, many people have been brutally murdered and our roads turned to death-traps by criminals who are hardly apprehended by security agencies.
“The increasing incidents of kidnapping on the highways, the random shooting of farmers on their farmlands and the wanton acts of banditry in our villages have virtually shut down social and economic activities of ordinary people in our communities.
“Coming close to the Yuletide, the impending celebration of Christmas is seriously threatened as many of our people around the world who ordinarily return home for the celebrations, are afraid to do so this time.
“We feel duty bound, therefore, to seek a way of curtailing the alarming incidents and protecting ourselves and the citizenry from the criminals.
“Meanwhile, we commend individuals and communities that have on their own or in conjunction with their neighbors, taken proactive steps to secure lives and properties in their areas.
“Such efforts, backed up by the elite of every community is a laudable example of showing leadership.
“In the light of the foregoing, we have decided to convene a meeting of major stakeholders in Agbaja land to find a lasting solution to the crisis.
“The meeting will analyse the present situation and offer solutions to curtail the rising insecurity in the short and long term.
“The meeting which will hold on Sunday, 27th November 2022 in Enugu, will be attended by members of the Board of Trustees of Agbaja Leaders of Thought, Udi and Ezeagu Local Government officials, political representatives, select number of traditional rulers, select number of Presidents-General of our communities as well as other major stakeholders who will be invited individually.
“In the past few weeks, we have interfaced with various arms of government as well as the security agencies in the state with a view to finding a lasting solution to the problem.
“The scheduled meeting is, therefore, a part of our ongoing search for a lasting solution to the crisis”.
