Enugu: There was excitement as the Imufu Community in Igbo Eze North Local Government Area of Enugu State, celebrated the end of insecurity in the area, with the launch of their own Neighbourhood Watch security outfit.
The epoch making event was attended by government and security officials, community leaders, two Catholic priests, the Onyishi Imufu and Umuitodo, (eldest man) Agu Obetta Nweze, the traditional ruler, Remigius Attah, the President of the Town Union, Lawrence Mamah, the Neighbourhood Watch Commander for Enugu North Senatorial District, Anselem Odo, the Divisional Police Officer, DPO, for Igbo Eze North, CSP Simeon Akor, the Umuadas (daughters of the community), dance groups as well as masquerades which entertained both visitors and community members among others.
The community had witnessed insecurity following the establishment of a camp by criminals who harassed, kidnapped, as well as maimed and killed indigenous people of the area and visitors before it was however, later destroyed by members of the Nigerian military which killed about seven of them while others escaped with bullet wounds about two months ago.
However, in a bid to end the insecurity, members of the town union including those at home and the Diaspora taxed themselves and contributed money with which the bought about 10 motorcycles and other security gadgets for the use of those selected from all the families in the area, who were trained by the police and other security agencies to protect the residents with the assistance of the police.
The highlights of the event included the Pasding- Out – Parade, POP, by the new members of the Imufu Neighbourhood Watch, which was witnessed by a representative of the state Commissioner for Human DevelopmentYouths, Poverty Eradication, Hon Malachy Agbo.
In their welcome address, read by a former President of Imufu Town Union, Mr Edwin Ossai, the people expressed joy over the return of peace in the community which was the most peaceful area in the state before the advent of criminals.
“Today is another remarkable day in the land of Imufu Autonomous Community, as we all know that peace is the ultimate ingredient needed for any society to grow while security of lives and property is the nucleus of every living society because one has to be alive before living at peace with one another.
“For months now, if not years, the ever United, peaceful and progressive land of Imufu Community had been bedeviled by insecurity and disharmony, which have caused the entire community, sleepless nights.
“As brothers and sisters who came from the loins, we all had to join hands together to unravel the situation. It was the burning desire by the men, women, youths, elders, priests, town union members and children of this community to find lasting solutions to that which that which had caused the restlessness and havoc in the community.
“It is a well known fact in our dialect that when brothers and sisters take up their musical instruments, they do not miss the rhythm. We denied ourselves some treasures and pleasures, and today, we are here to witness the coming together of a once united and indivisible community.
“We thank in a special way, the Chairman of Igbo Eze North Local Government, Ejike Itodo, for his support, members of the new Imufu Neighbourhood Watch, the state government, the police as well as all those who made it possible for peace to return to the community. May we say no to anything that will cause disunity in our community again.” (Flowerbudnews)
