Enough is enough – Gov Mbah vows as he storms Nimbo over herdsmen killings

The recent attack that killed four local people in Nimbo was deemed unacceptable by Enugu State Governor Dr. Peter Mbah. He vowed that the government would find and prosecute the culprits, saying enough was enough.

Approximately four residents lost their lives in the late-night attack, according to a previous report from ZINGTIE, but many more suffered serious injuries. 

Mbah pledged that the government would collaborate with community and security stakeholders to enhance security in Nimbo and throughout Uzo Uwani LGA, describing the attack as a collective mourning for the entire state.

At the same time, the Nimbo community demanded that its Neighbourhood Watch and Forest Guards be strengthened, emphasising that their attackers were always from adjacent states and took advantage of their community’s remoteness.

During a visit to the Nimbo community on Monday, Mbah expressed her anger. Accompanying her were Mr Kanayo Uzuegbu, the state’s commissioner of police; Theresa Egbunu, the state director of state security services; Brigadier General Murtala Abu, the commander of the 82 Division of the Nigerian Army in Enugu; and Matthew Obodoechi, the coordinator of the Enugu State Forest Guards.

He said: “Let me assure you that enough is enough. I don’t think that we would allow our hospitality to be taken for granted. We expect people, who have come to mingle with us, to also play by the rules and laws of our land.

“I don’t think that we really do have any reason to exist as government if we cannot guarantee the safety of our people because the primary purpose of government is to guarantee the security and the welfare of its citizens. So, a situation where our people would go to bed with their two eyes open must end. And it must end immediately.

“I want to assure you that we are going to deploy everything within our powers; and I mean everything: the law, the forces, everything that is necessary in order for us to guarantee your security.

“We are truly pained by such dastardly killing by people who trespass, come into the locality of our people, who are living quietly within their environment, and open fire on them. That is inexcusable and unacceptable, and we are going to identify, track these culprits, pursue them wherever they are, capture them, and ensure that we bring them to justice.”

Following an interactive session with community leaders and members, Governor Mbah, who had previously visited and commiserated with each of the lost families, pledged to take up their recommendations and requests for government representation and bolstering their local security resources.

“We have listened to you on the issues you raised about making sure that the people of Nimbo are integrated into government. We are going to do just that. Your voice has been heard.

“I also would want to inform you that we shall not abandon you in this time of need. Going forward, the government will be responsible for the victims who are being treated, including those going back to the orthopaedic hospital. We will bear the cost.

“All the survivors of victims of this dastardly act, we are going to ensure that their suffering is abated. We are going to make sure that the kids do not suffer anymore than they have already suffered by losing a father. We will ensure that they go to school through our scholarships and those who need job, we are going to give them job.

“But more importantly, let it be known that enough is enough, and we will never have to go through this again,” Mbah said.

Speaking earlier on behalf of the community, Mr Clement Akachukwu, the President-General of Nimbo, claimed that because of the town’s secluded location, their enemies had been preying on them for decades. 

He thanked Governor Mbah for his timely response and demanded that the government strengthen the Forest Guards and Nimbo Neighbourhood Watch to bolster the security forces. Since the community lacked a political voice, he advocated for their participation in government appointments.

“You can see for yourself that Nimbo is living at the outskirt of Enugu State. We live directly in the border area, and they come in any time and kill and go back.

“It has repeated itself again and now, not only one person, but four were killed. About two months ago, they kidnapped a number of people, but they were rescued, although the kidnappers escaped. It has been like this for years, even before I was born.

“So, we only need one thing. We have community vigilantes. If only they can be strengthened and if more can be brought and paid well to do the work because we need 24-hour vigilance here. These attackers know all the routes in the villages and bushes so well. We need our local vigilantes to be strengthened because they can match them. The width and length of our farmlands are so massive” Akachukwu stated.

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