SEGF DECRIES SPATE ON INSECURITY IN THE ZONE, AGREES TO EXPAND SECURITY COMMITTEE

Reporter : AMECHI ODO

South East Governors Forum (SEGF) has expressed worry over upsurge in kidnapping and other criminal activities in the Zone.

Chairman of the Forum and Ebonyi State Governor, Chief David Umahi made this known to journalists after a virtual meeting with his colleagues, which he coordinated from his home town, Uburu in Ohaozara Local Government Area.

Governor Umahi observed with dismay that two police officers were killed few days ago in Imo State and their rifles taken away.

He noted that a kidnap incident was also recorded at the boundary axis between Ebonyi and Enugu State while the victims were later rescued through concerted efforts of the governors in addition to divine intervention.

“We have agreed that the southeast security committee will be expanded, we have agreed that this year we are going to have a common patrol. Our vehicles are going to be the same, the uniform will be the same and we will do this for our vigilante and we will continue to work with the people of Southeast to give them greater protection,” Governor Umahi stated.

He urges leaders of South East zone to rise above political sentiment and speak up against the wave of insecurity in the area.

“We are very much worried, it is not those that are not from South-east that are doing it, it is our own people that are doing it. They want to cause panic, they want to cause disunity in this country. We want the leaders of South-east to rise above political sentiments to speak out and to condemn this act because should the security people act, the cry will go everywhere,” he said.

According to Governor Unahi, the Forum resolved to boycott a bipartisan meeting slated to hold in Igbere, Abia State, because they were not consulted.