Tensions escalate in Enugu North Senatorial Zone of Enugu State following the recent killing of four natives of Nimbo community in Uzo-Uwani Local Government Area in April 2024.
The killings, attributed to unknown herdsmen, have reignited unresolved grievances over the 2016 massacre in the same community, where over 40 natives lost their lives.
Senator Chuka Utazi, representing Enugu North at the National Assembly, has pointed accusing fingers at former Governor of Enugu State, Honorable Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi, for failing to provide adequate security measures after the 2016 massacre.
He lamented the recurring violence in Uzo-Uwani’s agrarian communities, particularly in Nimbo, which has turned the area into a killing field and instilled fear among residents and visitors.
In a statement to journalists, Senator Utazi disclosed that the establishment of a Mobile Squadron Base at Nkpologu community, aimed at providing swift security responses, was thwarted by the previous administration, leaving Uzo-Uwani vulnerable to kidnappers, terrorists, and violent herdsmen.
He recounted that in the wake of the 2016 massacre in Nimbo, “I took the matter to the Senate Plenaries, which prompted former President Muhammadu Buhari to dispatch Inspector General of Police IGP Solomon Arase to the scene.
“The IGP approved the commencement and building of Mobile Squadron Base at Nkpologu and handed the letter personally to him to deliver to the Governor.
“Gov. Ugwuayi on receipt of the letter, convened a meeting to change the location to his preferred site and in the process robbed Uzo-Uwan local government area a project that would have put end to the constant killings of people in the locality.”
Senator Utazi urged Governor Peter Ndubuisi Mbah to learn from the past and not repeat the mistakes of his predecessor. He advised the governor to hand over the Nkpologu Divisional Police Station to the police to enhance security in the area.
Additionally, Senator Utazi called on Governor Mbah to revisit the report of the panel of inquiry on the 2016 Nimbo killings and ensure the diligent prosecution of the suspects.
In response to Senator Utazi’s accusations, Mr. Ezeagu Thomas dismissed them as baseless and unfounded. He argued that Senator Utazi’s tenure was marked by failure, citing the lack of significant projects in Enugu North Federal Constituency during his eight years in office.
Mr. Thomas praised former Governor Ugwuanyi’s efforts in addressing the security challenges in Nimbo, highlighting the establishment of the Nimbo Police Divisional Headquarters and the deployment of forest guards as significant interventions.
He urged Senator Utazi to focus on initiatives that would bring lasting peace to Uzo-Uwani rather than engaging in political point-scoring.
The senator said, “Ex-gov Ugwuayi set up a panel of inquiry to unravel the immediate and remote causes of the 2016 Nimbo killings, but there were no follow-ups on the matter.
“My personal attempts to bring the issue to Governor’s attention met vicious attacks from political sycophants and hired online mobs.
“Utazi as a matter of urgency and necessity should face issues that would bring lasting peace to Uzo-Uwani local government area rather than trying to score cheap political points just because he still may have an eye on the senate come 2027.”
