The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) has commended Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi of Enugu State for his kind disposition and sincere commitment towards security issues in the state.
Speaking during the inauguration of the special squad known as Agro Rangers which was initiated by the corps’ commandant general, CG Abdulahi Gana Muhammadu, for tackling issues between herders and farmers, the Enugu state Commandant, Everestus Obiyo, stated that Gov Ugwuanyi’s support and encouragement made the occasion possible.
Commandant Obiyo added that:
“The Agro Rangers Squad was part of Civil Defence response to bringing under control the unfortunate clashes, killings and wanton destruction of lives and property in our beloved country.”
He further disclosed that the officers have been trained to intervene between the farmers/villagers and herdsmen as well as checkmate the activities and excesses of all the parties concerned to ensure peaceful co-existence for rapid growth and development.
The commandant maintained that the scheme was designed to also give physical protection to Agro-Allied Investments which include farmlands, livestock, silos, ranches and everything related to the nation’s agricultural economy as well as protect the citizenry from kidnapping, robbery, and other violent crimes.
The scheme, according to Commandant Obiyo, was equally initiated:
“To secure ranches, animals and grazing areas to encourage investments in agriculture and boost food security and security of lives and property of the people”
“This will go a long way to help protect our local and foreign investments in agriculture, thereby giving us more for export earnings and boost local industries for growth as well as offer employment opportunities to our teeming youthful population.”
“Your excellency, it is our utmost desire to provide effective and robust security coverage within Enugu State and its environs”, NSCDC boss assured.
Inaugurating the squad, Gov Ugwuanyi, who noted that the scheme provides for the arrest and prosecution of arms bearing herdsmen or farmers and also the protection of the citizenry from kidnapping, robbery, and other violent crimes, described it as: “A much welcome complement to the efforts and measures his administration has been taking to combat security challenges in the state, especially with regards “to protecting our farmlands in order to enhance agricultural output and ensure the safety of farmers and rural dwellers.”
Emphasizing on the above, Gov Ugwuanyi said that his administration: “Recently recruited 1,700 able-bodied and experienced youths to serve as forest guards with the primary responsibility of policing all our forests and exposing criminal elements using them as their hideouts.”
He, therefore, applauded the federal government through the NSCDC and the Federal Ministry of Agriculture for this unprecedented initiative, saying: “As a government, we want to pledge our full support, cooperation and assistance to ensure the overall success of the Agro-Allied Forces initiative in Enugu state”.
Enugu State is truly in the hands of God.
