Governor David Umahi has expressed the views of his people concerning the continued activities of the Fulani herdsmen in the state which has generated fear and disaffection among the people.
Governor David Umahi
Governor David Umahi of Ebonyi State yesterday explained that there was no cogent reason for Ebonyi people to demand the immediate withdrawal of Fulani herdsmen from communities in the state, considering the harmonious relationship existing between Ebonyi people and the herdsmen.
The governor, who stated this during an enlarged security council meeting at the International Conference Centre, Abakaliki noted that grazing routes would be created in communities to enable the Fulani herdsmen carry out their duties without rancour and disaffection.
Umahi condemned the attack on a community in Enugu State allegedly by Fulani, describing it as unfortunate.
He called on security agencies to be on the alert and curb all manner of criminalities across the state, even as he directed them to mount surveillance and checkmate the excesses of herdsmen in the state, especially at night.
The governor directed the Commissioner for Justice and Attorney-General, Commissioner for Border, Peace and Conflict Resolution and Special Adviser, SA on Internal Security to come up with a modality on how to set up a community-based committee in liaison with the Police to curb incidences of crimes across the state.
According to him, any student found to be a member of a secret cult group will not only be arrested but would be handed over to the security agencies for prosecution.
He also directed that nobody in the state should collect money from cattle herdsmen as anybody caught in such act will be prosecuted.
The governor, following the absence of two Development Centre Coordinators, Ohaozara West and Ohaozara, Hon. Christian Ngene, and Hon. Eni Odii respectively, suspended them indefinitely.