A delegation from the Anambra State Government on Wednesday, November 27, 2024, visited Abatete in Idemili North Local Government Area to commiserate with the community following the November 18 attack on local vigilantes by gunmen suspected of enforcing the Monday sit-at-home order.
The delegation included the Commissioner for Information, Dr. Law Mefor, and the Special Adviser to the Governor on Security, AVM Ben Chiobi (Rtd).
Addressing the town’s leadership, Dr. Law Mefor, who is an indigene of Abatete and a member of the Igwe-in-Council, expressed deep sympathy over the incident. He prayed for the speedy recovery of the town’s President General, Chief Ezebinobi Chimame Ezigbo, who sustained a bullet wound during the attack. Dr. Mefor pledged to support the community in addressing the matter and restoring security.
In his remarks, AVM Ben Chiobi acknowledged the challenges faced by vigilantes but assured the people that the government was taking measures to prevent a recurrence. “We will implement strategies that might disrupt normalcy temporarily but will ensure no further loss of life,” he stated, urging community leaders to focus on sanitizing the Eke Agu axis. He also suggested installing CCTV cameras and other security measures to strengthen safety in the area.
Community leaders, including Chief Clement Analikwu, Obi Nsukwu Abatete, and Chief Edwin Enyokwa, who represented the traditional ruler, Igwe Emeka Efobi, appreciated the government’s concern and promised to cooperate in combating insecurity. They appealed for financial assistance to bury those killed in the attack and cover the medical expenses of the injured President General.
The 3rd Vice President of the Abatete Union, Sir Anthony Okwuchukwu Adibe, announced plans for an Abatete Security Summit, which the Igwe-in-Council had been organizing prior to the attack. He urged the government to enhance security patrols in the town, citing the numerous federal and state roads passing through the area as a challenge for the community’s resources.
In his vote of thanks, Chief Peter Ézè assured the government of the town’s willingness to implement directives aimed at curbing insecurity.
This visit underscores the Anambra State Government’s commitment to supporting communities affected by violence and ensuring the safety of all residents.
