Community security in Enugu State received renewed attention on Tuesday (yesterday) as the Chairman of Nkanu West Local Government Council, Hon. John Chukwuma Ogbodo, hosted the Commander of the Enugu State Forest Guard, Dr. Akinbayo Olasoji, alongside traditional rulers, security agencies, and stakeholders at the council headquarters in Agbani. The interactive engagement was aimed at strengthening grassroots-based security measures across the state.
Addressing participants, Dr. Olasoji disclosed that the state government would soon embark on the recruitment of between 2,000 and 5,000 new officers into the Enugu State Forest Guard Service. He assured that the process would be transparent and merit-driven to align with Governor Peter Ndubuisi Mbah’s vision of making Enugu the safest state in Nigeria. “Our goal is to build a credible, professional, and community-rooted Forest Guard that will secure farmlands, forests, and rural areas across the state,” Olasoji said.
In his remarks, Hon. Ogbodo emphasized the importance of protecting rural communities and the emerging farm estates within Nkanu West and across the state. He commended Governor Mbah for his strong commitment to security as a foundation for agricultural and economic transformation. According to him, “We must work collectively to secure our environment. Security is not just the business of government but a shared responsibility between leaders, security agencies, and our people.”
Also speaking, the Chairman of Isi-Uzo Local Government Council, Hon. Obeagu, Esq., lauded the governor’s leadership and Dr. Olasoji’s commitment to forest protection. “Governor Mbah’s leadership has made Enugu safer and more secure. I commend Dr. Olasoji for his dedication to safeguarding our forests and communities,” he noted.
The forum provided a platform for deliberations on intelligence sharing, crime prevention, and safeguarding farmlands against encroachment. Stakeholders stressed that collaboration between communities and security establishments was vital to achieving lasting peace and order in Enugu State.
Among those present were representatives of the Department of State Services (DSS), Area Commander of Agbani, Divisional Police Officers from Agbani and Ozalla, council officials, clergy, community leaders, and other stakeholders drawn from across Enugu East Senatorial District.
The engagement ended with a renewed commitment to vigilance, cooperation, and community participation as Enugu works toward realizing Governor Mbah’s agenda of making the state the most secure in the federation while boosting agricultural productivity and rural development. GMTNewsng
