ENUGU RESIDENCE CALL FOR PROACTIVE ACTION ON POSSIBLE MIGRATION OF DISPLACED PERSONS FROM BENUE STATE

Some concerned citizens of Enugu State have advocated setting up a mechanism to check migration of herdsmen into the state as a way of sustaining the peaceful co-existence between the herdsmen and farmers.

They made the call following the recent clash between herdsmen and farmers in the neighbouring Benue State and the rumour of possible migration of herdsmen to the South East.

Radio Nigeria went round to sample the opinions of the people on the issue.

The 2016 herdsmen massacre at Nimbo in Uzouwani Local Government, Atakwu in Nkanu West and in Awgu Local Government Areas of Enugu State came as a surprise but turned out to be unfortunate reality.

Those communities after the incidence became visiting sites for the churches, government, and non-governmental organizations, as well as philanthropists as they donated items and cash to ameliorate the plights of the affected persons.

These however have not in any way brought back any life lost or removed the fear and trauma of the people of the areas.

Commenting on the tension in Benue State over herdsmen and farmers clash, and the fear that it could trigger migration of herdsmen to the South East, the immediate past Transition chairman of Awgu Local Government Area, Chief UgonnaIbe, advised security agencies in the state to be more proactive.

Chief Ibe commended the activities of the Peace and Security Commission constituted by Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi to mediate between herdsmen and farmers and urged the two groups not to compromise the agreement.

Also, a development analyst, Chief Ken Onyekaonwu said that the proximity of Benue State to Enugu State should be a concern to all and called on government to rise up to the challenge to prevent future occurrence.
Chief Onyekaonwu who is also the Enugu State Chairman of the United People’s Party, UPP, said the people must be assured of their safety while going about their normal business, through adequate sensitization by the government.
A former lawmaker in the state, Chief OkechukwuNwoke, said there must be a law to guide the activities of herdsmen in the country and advised the state government to put all its apparatus on the alert.
The respondents however called on the Federal Government to make more budgetary allocation on security and be sincere in handling the matter to sustain the democracy of the nation.
OBINNA OGBUKA