The Chairman of Igbo-Etiti Local Government Area in Enugu State, Dr. Eric Odo, has urged the Federal Government to officially designate armed herdsmen as terrorists, stating that such a move will empower security forces to confront them more decisively.
Dr. Odo made this call on Monday in Enugu during a two-day Institutional Strengthening and Agenda Setting Meeting with Enugu LGA Chairmen, organised by ActionAid Nigeria in collaboration with the South-Saharan Social Development Organisation (SSDO).
He emphasized that declaring the armed herders as terrorists—similar to other violent groups—would give the police, army, Civil Defence, and other agencies the legal and moral authority to treat them as such.
“We felt that it will be proper for us to be courageous enough to say that this is the time at which we can halt this menace and give our people peace, especially the farmers, so they can go back to farm,” Dr. Odo said.
He stressed that Nigeria's growing food insufficiency is directly tied to insecurity, particularly the menace caused by armed herders who destroy farmlands and terrorize rural communities.
“If they do so, I will tell you that the problem of insecurity in this country will be half-solved,” he added.
Dr. Odo further called on the President, the National Security Adviser, and the Service Chiefs to take bold action and end the impunity of these criminal elements. He stated that political leaders must “damn the consequences” and take a firm stand against armed herders and other criminal groups.
In a keynote address, Mr. Uche Okanume, a security expert, advised the chairmen to work closely with the Neighbourhood Watch and Forest Guards to address security challenges at the grassroots. He noted that due to the inadequate response from the Police and Army, these local security outfits are crucial in bridging the gap.
He disclosed that many local markets in Isi-Uzo, Uzo-Uwani, and parts of Udenu LGAs have closed down due to rising insecurity. He therefore urged the state government to act swiftly to avert further damage.
Mr. Okanume also stressed the importance of recruiting capable individuals into these community security outfits to ensure effectiveness.
Earlier, Mr. Okwudili Odo, who represented the Country Director of ActionAid Nigeria, said the meeting was part of their effort to collaborate with government institutions and strengthen democratic governance at the local level.
“This platform offers us the opportunity to align our priorities and set a clear agenda that speaks to the needs, aspirations, and realities of the people across the LGAs,” he noted.
He added that building strong institutions at the local government level is key to effective and gender-responsive public service delivery, as LGAs are the closest tier of government to the people.
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