Solicits cooperation of monarchs to end insecurity
Stephen Ukandu, Umuahia
General Officer Commanding (GOC) 82 Division, Nigeria Army, Major Gen. Hassan Taiwo Dada, has decried the disturbing insecurity in the South-East, saying the strange development is un-Igbo.
The GOC who was addressing traditional rulers in Ohafia Local Government said Ndigbo were never known for bloodshed.
He expressed astonishment how the South-East zone hitherto known for peace and hospitality suddenly turned into an epicenter of insecurity.
Maj. Gen. Dada who said he had served at Awkunanaw barracks, Enugu about 15 years ago, regretted that the good impression he had about Igboland had changed because of senseless killings in the region.
“This is not the Igbo land I left in 2003. To an Igbo man, spilling the blood of his brother is a sacrilege! The Igbo people are not known for bloodshed! The Igbo are accommodating and peace – loving people.
“But now the amount of killing and impunity is alarming. What has been happening in North-East, North West and South-South is now in South-East. And we cannot tolerate that because violence is never right irrespective of our sentiments.”
He, therefore, solicited the assistance and cooperation of the monarchs in the efforts to restore peace and security in the region, adding that the unity of Nigeria should be paramount.
“Please our fathers, help us talk to the youths in your communities because they are your subjects. We need to have peace in the land for the good of all.
We solicit your assistance so we can have secure environment.
“We all know the losses that this insecurity in the South/0East has caused. A lot of businesses have been affected. Your sons can no longer return for New Yam festivals and other ceremonies in their communities.
“So, time has come for us to all unite and stop the menace.”
The GOC further explained that contrary to wrong perceptions in some quarters, the presence of the military in the region was not for invasion but for peace.
“We are not here to fight you; we are here to maintain peace. A soldier should not be seen as one sent to kill but to protect. I’m assuring you that anybody that’s law-abiding and peaceful must be protected.
“We have come to work together so that we can help these young people to stop insecurity. Among the youths I see future leaders of our dear country. We must help them to understand that they should not ruin their future. Everybody must shun violence.”
Speaking on behalf of Ndieze in Council, the Chairman, Traditional Rulers Council, Ohafia LGA, HRM Eze Igwe Ojike, thanked the GOC for the visit, and assured him of the readiness of the monarchs to partner with security agencies to ensure peace and security in their respective communities.
He noted that traditional rulers had been apostles of peace in their communities, and promised that they would continue to preach peace among their people.
The monarch who said that killing and violence were not in the DNA of the Igbo man, restated the commitment of the traditional institution towards improving security in the South-East and Ohafia LGA in particular.
Traditional rulers from various communities in Ohafia clan, Nkporo and Abriba clans were present during the meeting at the Ohafia LGA headquarters.
Major Gen. Dada had earlier visited the 14 Brigade Nigeria Army, Ohafia where he inspected facilities at the barack and addressed officers and men of the Brigade.
He tasked the soldiers on professionalism and loyalty to the authorities.
Maj. Gen. Dada also charged them to stoutly confront economic sabotage especially oil theft.
The GOC promised to improve on their welfare and give them all the necessary support they need to perform optimally.
“The Brigade Commander has briefed me on some of your challenges, and we will look for how to solve them. You have been doing well but can do much better
“Your welfare is paramount to me. Whatever you are required to work with will receive priority attention.
“But you must be very professional; you must be very proactive; and you must be very supportive to your Commanders.”
He urged the soldiers not to be overwhelmed by the rising insecurity in the South-East.
“We must not allow any form of insecurity to overwhelm us. You have been trained and equiped, and I believe you can handle it.
“You have a lot to do, and I believe you have the capacity and capabilities to do it. There will be no retreat, no surrender!”
The GOC further tasked the soldiers to engage and relate well with the civilian populace as well as other security agencies for harmonious working relationship and peace.
“You must engage with the communities around you. You must work in synergy with sister security agencies because they have critical role to play for the return of peace and security in South-East.”
The GOC later visited the 143 Rangers Battalion Isuikwuato; the Nigeria Army Language Institute, Isuikwuato and other Army formations in the state to inspect facilities and boost the morale of personnel.
He urged the soldiers to remain good ambassadors of the Nigeria Army and to show care for their host communities.
The GOC was received on arrival by the Commander, 14 Brigade, Brig. General Nsikak John Edet and other officers of the Brigade.
Brig. Edet who commended the visiting GOC later presented him with a plaque at the Officers’ Mess.
The GOC was accompanied on the visit by some top Army officers from the Divisional headquarters.
