The security-conscious chairman of Umunneochi LGA Chief Ifeanyi Madu, desirous of making Umunneochi peaceful, has undertaken a holistic approach against surge of criminalities in the recent times. It could be recalled that there have been several security challenges within the Lomara-Nneato Road in the past few months. The axis has become a flash point in the Southeast since kidnapping and criminalities have refused to abate within qthe area. The Executive Chairman has escalated the issue to all appropriate authorities, yet he is not relenting in reaching out to be able to proffer solution to the raging menace. He approached the authority and management of the Spiritan University Nneochi for collaboration in the fight. He also approached a handful of spirited individuals from across Umunneochi and asked them to assist in anyway they can in order to contain these hoodlums. Many of them especially Ngodoukwu people responded and many more are still going to respond. During an on-the-spot assessment along the road, the chairman discovered that the bend overlaying the Spiritan University was guilty of hiding the criminals. They usually position their roadblock at a point after the bend where unsuspecting road users run into them just after the bend and get stuck. The Chairman in company of Chief Chris Ifesi (Ikemba Nneato) and Dr Clifford Nnaedozie (President General of Nneato Development Union), visited the school and made a specific request. He asked them to assist in clearing and levelling of the bushes and hill opposite the school. The Vice Chancellor on behalf of the school agreed to undertake the bills for the clearing and levelling of the area. Thus, they hired a bulldozer that started work today and which will work for four or five days of eight hours a day. During the press conference to address the people of Umunneochi on the spate of criminalities within the area, an opening prayer was said by Rev. Fr Prof. Augustine Onyeneke. According to Hon. Tobias Egeonu, S.A to the Executive chairman on Media and Publicity, those that attended the flagoff of the security check includes; The Head of Service of Umunneochi LGA Chief Monday Ugorji, the Secretary to the LGA Uba Onyekachi Peter Esq., Chief of Staff to the Chairman Prince Ugwubujo, supervisor for works Sunday Ike, Deputy Leader of the council Hon. Biereonwu Chigbo, Majority Leader of the council Hon. Mgbeodichinma Okoroafor, Councilor representing Eziama Agbo ward Hon. John Ibe, Chairman House Committee on Legal matters Hon. Barr Ify Jas Okereke, chairman House Committee on women Affairs Hon. Ifeoma Ekwu, the Army, the DSS, the Police, the NSCDC, Immigration, AVS, Nneato Vigilante and Ngodoukwu Vigilante. From Spiritan University Nneochi came Rev. Fr Prof. Augustine Onyeneke – senior lecturer, Rev. Fr Cyril Anene – University Bursar, Rev. Fr Chibuzo Iyeh – University Director of Works and the Registrar of the University Sir Eze Onwuka. The Secretary of the LGA Onyekachi Uba Esq gave a detailed overview of the security breach and the need to tackle it head-on as the chairman is doing. He thanked the authority of the University for living up to their promise.
In his address, the Executive Chairman expressed his readiness to tackle the situation, while waiting for the governor to come to his assistance. He regretted the pains suffered by the victims of kidnap along the axis. This today’s approach came on the day of burial of a prominent Nneato man Ezinna Cathecist Jacob Nnaemedo which attracted over one hundred Rev. Fathers, the Catholic Bishop of Okigwe Diocese and many dignitaries from far and wide. Who knows, it could have been another black Friday if not for this intervention by the chairman and the University authority. There have been heavy traffic to and fro the area, and of course, it’s usually their best time to strike, but we acted ahead and stationed security operatives along the axis. Speaking on behalf of the University, Rev. Fr Prof. Augustine Onyeneke thanked the executive chairman for his dexterity and tact in reaching out to people in this emergency situation and also for provision of logistics. He prayed God to protect all inhabitants of the area as well as users of the roads under review.
In a Vote of Thanks, Hon. John Ibe thanked the chairman, the school authority, members of the press, the security agents and all who volunteered one help or the other.
Hon. Tobias Egeonu
S.A to the Executive chairman on Media and Publicity
