Ebonyi Residents Demand More Security Following Murder Of Lecturer-Turned Cab Operator

Residents of Ebonyi State, Thursday, called for more security in the state following the murder of a lecturer at Alex Ekwueme Federal University Ndufu-Alike Ikwo, Ebonyi State. The victim, identified as Mr Kyrian Nwoke of the department of physiology of the university, was allegedly killed by unknown assailants when he was called upon to pick a passenger.

The late lecturer was said to have registered his private car for commercial purposes following the recent ASUU strike and its attendant non-payment of salaries. His lifeless body was found along Abakaliki rice mill axis of Ogoja road on Monday with bullet wounds, according to a source. Mr Nwoke went missing on Sunday. He is survived by his wife and two-year-old daughter.

The state police PRO, Mrs Loveth Odah, is yet to make a categorical statement on the matter.

Following the increasing insecurity in the state, a resident, Mr Mike Eze, of the state ministry of health, said, “We are apprehensive over the rate of insecurity in our hitherto peaceful state. It is rising every day. Surprisingly, Ebonyi State has a functional neighbourhood watch and Forest Guard operators. We beg the state governor to strengthen the state security apparatuses because the current wave of crimes is scary. I hardly move around at night. I join other well-meaning Nigerians in calling for state police.”

A resident of Ishiagu, Mr Steven Udo, said, “I appeal to the people behind this to have a change of heart. It is an ill-wind that blows anyone any good. With this development, even our agricultural comparative advantage is threatened.”

Meanwhile, Mr Uchenna Orji, Ebonyi State commissioner for information and orientation, told Radio Nigeria, Thursday, that Gov Dave Umahi had been making efforts to stem the ugly tide. According to him, “Gov Umahi partners conventional security outfits by motivating them through the provision of the enabling environment. Apart from this, we have over 4, 000 members of the neighbourhood watch across the state, as well as the Forest Guards. They were trained by security officials. These local outfits have helped in checkmating crimes. Our governor is also interfacing with other Southeast governors in his capacity as the chairman of the Southeast Governors’ Forum aimed at finding lasting solutions to the region’s security challenges.”