Uzo-Uwani Mayor Commences Clearing of Forest Hideouts, Launches Farm Protection Squad and Rapid Response Team to Curb Insecuri

 

In his steps to address rising security threats in Uzo-Uwani Local Government Area of Enugu State, the Executive Chairman, Barr. Chijioke Ezugwu, has embarked on the large-scale clearing of overgrown forests along major roads. This proactive effort is aimed at eliminating ambush points used by kidnappers and criminal elements who have long terrorised commuters and farmers in the area.

As part of a broader security strategy, the Chairman has also inaugurated a Community Farm Protection Squad, a specialised team tasked with safeguarding farmlands and ensuring that farmers can work without fear of attacks or crop destruction.

Speaking on behalf of the Chairman, the Special Adviser on Media, Chief Kingsley Onyeji, described the initiatives as strategic steps to restore peace and security across Uzo-Uwani. He emphasised that the cleared vegetation along critical roads such as Ezukolo, Abbi, Nrobo, and Nimbo had previously served as cover for criminals, enabling them to launch surprise attacks on unsuspecting travellers.

“By clearing these forests and maintaining road visibility, we are drastically reducing the chances of road ambushes. Our residents and visitors can now move more freely and safely,” Chief Onyeji stated.

In addition to the forest-clearing exercise, the Council Chairman has strengthened the local Neighbourhood Watch by creating a Rapid Response Team, fully equipped with operational vehicles and modern communication gadgets. The team is trained to handle various emergencies, from violent attacks and robberies to road accidents, and is positioned to respond swiftly to distress calls across the LGA.

“This team has already proven effective by minimizing the response time between threat detection and intervention. Their swift action has prevented many situations from escalating into major security breaches,” Chief Onyeji noted.

Other measures implemented under the Chairman’s leadership include:

• Recruitment and restructuring of the Neighbourhood Watch;
• Enhanced intelligence gathering mechanisms;
• Procurement of advanced security equipment;
• Strengthening of collaborations with formal security agencies;
• Comprehensive community sensitisation and stakeholder engagement.

Chief Onyeji lauded the Chairman’s relentless dedication to tackling the persistent security issues that have afflicted Uzo-Uwani, particularly in vulnerable farming communities often targeted by criminal elements.

In a further show of commitment, Barr. Ezugwu has issued a stern warning to traditional rulers within the LGA against engaging in dubious land transactions with outsiders. He expressed concern that such deals have, in some cases, empowered criminal groups who later use the land as a base to launch attacks against the very communities that welcomed them.

“Any traditional ruler found culpable in such unlawful practices will face serious consequences,” the Chairman warned through his media aide.

With these comprehensive efforts underway, the people of Uzo-Uwani are beginning to see a renewed sense of safety and confidence in the leadership's commitment to protecting lives, livelihoods, and the peace of their communities.