The Nkpokote Nsukka Development Forum, a non-partisan socio-cultural and developmental civil society group, has formally announced its readiness to partner with the Enugu State Government to tackle insecurity and promote development in the Nsukka cultural zone.
At a press conference held today, the Forum, comprising respected sons and daughters of Nsukka from various professional backgrounds including academia, business, traditional leadership, and public service highlighted the urgent need for coordinated efforts to curb the recent surge in insecurity across the region.
President General of the group, Barr. Barthilomoew Ifeanyi Ugwoke, described the spate of kidnappings and killings in areas such as Nimbo, Opanda, Igga, Eha-Amufu, and Neke, as deeply alarming. He emphasized that the group considers “an attack on one as an attack on all,” calling for urgent collective action, particularly given Nsukka’s vulnerable geographical location near crisis-prone parts of Benue and Kogi states.
The Forum expressed concern over repeated incidents along the Opi-Ugwogo-Nike road, which has been plagued by kidnappings. While acknowledging prior efforts to clear and maintain the road, the group explained it had suspended its intervention following news of a state-awarded dualization project.
“We have written to His Excellency, Governor Peter Ndubisi Mbah, requesting an audience to explore ways of collaborating, particularly in supporting the Enugu State Security Trust Fund,” said Engr. Emeka Agbo, Secretary General of the Forum.
The group also applauded Governor Mbah’s establishment of a Security Command and Control Center in Enugu metropolis and appealed for the extension of such an initiative to Nsukka. They pledged financial and intellectual support toward bolstering security initiatives in the region.
In addition to security concerns, the Forum drew attention to erosion damage affecting critical roads between Nkpologu and Aku, and Lejja and Aku, urging the state government to address the situation to restore access and protect local livelihoods.
The Nkpokote Nsukka Development Forum commended Governor Mbah’s infrastructural strides, including the dualization of Opi-Ugwogo-Nike road, Green Smart Schools, and Type 2 Primary Healthcare Centers, calling for speedy completion of these projects in the Nsukka zone.
Finally, the Forum issued a call to action, urging indigenes of Nsukka, Igbo Eze North and South, Igbo Etiti, Udenu, Isi-Uzo, and Uzo Uwani LGAs to unite in support of state efforts through community vigilance and intelligence initiatives.
“The Nkpokote Nsukka Development Forum remains a dedicated partner in building a peaceful, secure, and thriving Enugu State,” Ugwoke concluded.
