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‘Enough Is Enough’, Gov Mbah Vows As He Visits Nimbo Over Killing Of Four
ENUGU —Governor of Enugu State, Peter Mbah, has described the recent attack that resulted in the death of four natives of Nimbo in Uzo Uwani Local Government Area of the state as unacceptable to his administration.
Vowing that enough is enough, Mbah assured that the government would track down and bring the attackers to book.
He described the attack as a collective tragedy to the entire state, assuring that the government would work with community and security stakeholders to strengthen security not only in Nimbo, but also the entire Uzo Uwani LGA.
This was even as the Nimbo community called for the strengthening of its Forest Guards and Neigbourhood Watch, stressing that their attackers always came from neighbouring states, taking advantage of the remoteness of their community.
An enraged Mbah, who spoke during a visit to the community on Monday, was accompanied by the state’s Commissioner of Police, Mr. Kanayo Uzuegbu; State Director, State Security Services, Theresa Egbunu; Garrison Commander, 82 Division, Nigerian Army, Enugu, Brigadier General Murtala Abu; and Coordinator of Enugu State Forest Guards, Matthew Obodoechina.
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, 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.”
Governor Mbah, who had earlier visited and condoled each of the bereaved families before holding an interactive session with the community leaders and members, promised to work on their recommendations and requests for representation in government and strengthening of their local security resources.
“We have listened to you about 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 we will not abandon you in this time of need. Going forward, the government will be responsible for the victims that are being treated, including those going back to the orthopedic 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.
Meanwhile, speaking on behalf of the community earlier, the President-General of Nimbo, Mr. Clement Akachukwu, said their attackers had preyed on their community for decades due to the remoteness of Nimbo.
While thanking Governor Mbah for his prompt response, he called on government to strengthen Nimbo neighbourhood watch and forest guards to complement the security agencies. He called for inclusion of the community in government appointments, as they had no voice in government
“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 anytime and kill and go back.
“It has repeated itself again and now, not only one person, but four were killed. Last week at 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 is so massive,” Akachukwu stated.
By Israel Bulus, Kaduna
The Executive Chairman of the Kaduna State Internal Revenue Service (KADIRS), Comrade Jerry Adams, has commended the growing commitment of political leaders to the development of Southern Kaduna, describing it as unprecedented.
Speaking at the Southern Kaduna Solemn Assembly for Restoration held in Bara, Jema’a Local Government Area, Adams attributed the progress to the inclusive governance style of Governor Uba Sani and President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, citing several ongoing developmental projects as evidence of their dedication.
The meeting, convened at the instance of the Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa, brought together traditional rulers, religious leaders, and political figures to strategize on advancing the region’s growth.
Adams noted that Southern Kaduna is witnessing an unparalleled drive for development under the current leadership, and he urged residents to remain politically united ahead of the 2027 elections to consolidate these gains.
“Since the return of democracy, this is the first time we are seeing leaders who are truly passionate about the development of Southern Kaduna,” he said.
“We must learn to love ourselves so that others can love and respect us.”
Highlighting some of the projects the Governor played a pivotal role, Adams mentioned the military barracks under construction in Samaru Kataf, the Federal Medical Centre in Kafanchan, and the Federal University of Applied Sciences in Kachia.
He emphasized that the governor had to reclaim some state-owned properties to facilitate these developments.
“Southern Kaduna is not there yet, but we are firmly on the path to progress,” Adams asserted.
He further called on the people of the region to unite politically and vote strategically in the 2027 elections, stressing that coordinated political action is crucial for attracting greater development.
“We must bring our votes together and negotiate a better deal for our people, rather than voting indiscriminately, which in the past has led to misfortune for the region,” he added.
News
FG Engages South African Bank Representatives On Environmental Oversight For Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway
By Israel Bulus, Kaduna
The Federal Government through the Minister of Environment, Balarabe Abbas Lawal, has held a high-level meeting with representatives from the Development Bank of South Africa and Deutsche Bank to enhance environmental oversight of the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway (LCCH) project.
The delegation, led by Karim Ezzeddine, focused on strategies to ensure environmental sustainability and adherence to international standards, particularly in Phase 1, Section 1 of the highway.
The meeting highlighted the Federal Ministry of Environment’s key regulatory role in safeguarding coastal areas and aligning the project with global environmental best practices.
Minister Lawal described the collaboration as a vital step toward integrating environmental integrity into Nigeria’s infrastructure development.
“This partnership reaffirms our commitment to sustainable development by ensuring the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway meets both transportation needs and coastal environmental preservation,” he said.
The engagement reflects Nigeria’s resolve to meet lender expectations and promote responsible development one that protects natural ecosystems while enhancing economic connectivity across the coastal corridor.
The Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon. Tajudeen Abbas has warned that wealthy individuals are turning political parties into personal investments, undermining the democratic process.
Speaking at a technical workshop on the Political Parties Bill (HB1862) in Abuja, Abbas highlighted the absence of ideological foundations in Nigerian political parties, describing them as vehicles for power control rather than democratic institutions.
The workshop, organised by Yiaga Africa and The Kukah Centre with funding from the European Union, focused on addressing gaps in political party regulation.
Represented by Rt. Ishaya David Lalu, Abbas stressed that democracy cannot thrive without internal democratic processes for candidate selection.
“In Nigeria, political parties are not founded on any principle or ideology,” he said, noting that they often serve as platforms for power-sharing among elites rather than promoting public interest.
The proposed Political Parties Bill aims to enhance transparency and accountability by establishing an independent body to regulate party activities, including campaign financing.
Abbas argued that such measures would curb the influence of “moneybags” who hijack parties or impose candidates during elections.
He cited the United States’ Federal Election Commission and the United Kingdom’s Electoral Commission as models for effective regulation, contrasting them with Nigeria’s current system, where the Independent Electoral Commission (INEC) lacks robust legislative backing to oversee party funding.
In his welcome remarks,Hon. Zakari Dauda Nyampa, Chairman of the House Committee on Political Matters, echoed Abbas’ concerns, noting that unregulated primaries often lead to crises within parties.
“This bill is key to ensuring accountability, transparency, and proper regulation of political party funding,” he said, underscoring its importance for Nigeria’s evolving democracy.
In his goodwill message,Samson Itodo, Executive Director of Yiaga Africa, emphasised Nigeria’s strategic importance in African politics, warning that weak political parties undermine democracy.
“Our parties are built around individuals, not institutions, making them easily captured,” Itodo said, advocating for stronger systems to ensure ideological coherence and public participation.
Also at the event,Alhaji Yusuf Dantalle, National Chairman of the Inter-Party Advisory Council (IPAC), called for greater public engagement with the bill, noting that it has yet to be uploaded online for scrutiny.
He stressed the need for stakeholders to thoroughly assess the legislation to ensure it reflects citizens’ aspirations. IPAC plans to convene a General Assembly to discuss the bill and present its position to the National Assembly.
On his part ,Fr. Atta Barkindo, Executive Director of The Kukah Centre, described the bill as a timely opportunity to strengthen internal democracy and institutionalise overdue reforms.
“The quality of political party operations directly impacts the integrity of our elections,” he said.