November 25, (THEWILL) – Ehime Mbano Local Government has been one of the quietest councils in Southeast Nigeria. The people of the area are hardworking and detest the destruction of lives and property. Not only that, Ndi Ehime Mbano are hospitable. They are nice to non-indigenes. Insecurity challenges that currently bedevilled Nigeria, vis-a-vis Imo, have greatly hit Ehime Mbano.
The killing of eight (8) security personnel by the yet-to-be-identified persons, at the front of Ehime Mbano Local Government Area Stadium, Umuezeala, has continued to draw reactions from people, who are totally condemning the act, describing such as unacceptable.
Ehime Mbano leaders, youths and other stakeholders have sued for peace to be restored in their various hamlets. It is regrettable that so many Innocent persons have died, houses burnt down and businesses destroyed.
The recent murder of the Deputy Registrar of a Federal Polytechnic, Uwana, Afikpo, in his hometown, Umuebo, Umuezeala, the Headquarters of Ehime Mbano Local Government Area, triggered more fear in the lives of the residents. It was alleged that the deceased came back to the village for the purpose of attending his relative’s burial ceremony and sadly, he was slaughtered the same day by unknown hoodlums. It is difficult to fathom whether the killers were hired assassins or the same “gunmen”, who have continued to terrorise the Imo people.
These incidents have subjected the indigenous people of our communities to untold apprehension. Some have run away from their kindreds, those in the diaspora are afraid to come home, businesses are no longer moving well and the economic activities have been paralysed completely.
The people of Ehime Mbano need peace, unity and development this time so that the gains of democracy that had eluded them would be restored. Insecurity does not bring advancement which is everybody’s dream. It rather draws back a community and throws its people into perpetual hardship. There are solutions to these problems and Ehime Mbano elites have to look inwards towards bringing strategies for everlasting tranquillity.
Many associations have decried the attacks in Umualumaku. Whatever the root cause of these unceasing bloodsheds and destruction in our land should be addressed.
The present administration of Governor, Hope Uzodimma has all it takes to bring this situation to an end. All political appointees of Ehime Mbano extraction must come together to ensure that normalcy is restored to the communities. If peaceful coexistence is achieved, the people will be happy and express appreciation.
The government should intervene and guard against future attacks for the safety of the lives and property of people in Ehime Mbano. Those who are doing business in Oriendu; one of the business hubs in Ehime Mbano, have deserted the area for their previous lives. Life, they say, has no duplicate.
The reprisal attacks embarked upon by the enraged security operatives in the area have completely destroyed the businesses and homes of innocent people in the communities. They are currently bearing the brunt of attacks they knew nothing about.
Parents, guidance, traditional cum religious leaders, captains of industries, entrepreneurs, President Generals, Women and Youths groups in the Ehime Mbano Local Government communities need to individually and collectively task themselves on the best ways they can contribute towards the quelling of security challenges in Ehime Mbano.
As Ndi Imo are getting prepared for the November 11, 2023 governorship election, all eyes are on Ehime Mbano. It is not advisable for he that is a cynosure of all eyes to start bathing with sand. Communities in Ehime Mbano have benefitted hugely from the present administration of Sen. Hope Uzodimma in all sectors. Incessant security breakdowns could bar unforeseen circumstances that might push the council area to higher heights.
According to recent research conducted by an Abuja- based Civil Society Organisation, Yiaga Africa, about six (6) Local Government Areas including Orlu, Orsu Ehime Mbano, Oru East, Oru West and Okigwe council areas have been marked to be highly insecure councils in Imo, maintaining that something should be done immediately.
The Sole Administrator of Ehime Mbano Local Government Area, Hon. Barrister Chidi Okechukwu, ever since he was appointed to the Transition Committee (TC) of Ehime Mbano, has worked as a bridge-builder between the people and government. Okechukwu has been discharging his official duty responsibly to the satisfaction of the Governor, Sen. Hope Uzodimma, the stakeholders and good people of the area.
It is the expectation of all the well-wishers of Ehime Mbano vis-a-vis Imo State, that peace, tolerance, unity of purpose and prosperity shall be restored to the area.
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