Uchechukwu Okoroafor, Abuja
The recent arrest of Simon Ekpa, the self-proclaimed Prime Minister of Biafra in Exile, by Finnish authorities marks a significant development in addressing allegations of his involvement in inciting violence in southeastern Nigeria.
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Governor Peter Mbah of Enugu State, through the Secretary to the State Government, Professor Chidiebere Onyia, commended the Finnish government for taking action and promised to provide evidence of Ekpa’s alleged terrorist activities, whether in Nigeria or Finland.
While this commitment to justice is laudable, it is crucial for the governor to extend the same vigor to address ongoing security challenges within Enugu State. Communities in Enugu have been ravaged by violent attacks attributed to herdsmen, with farmers particularly targeted, making agriculture increasingly unsafe.
As the Chief Security Officer of the state, Governor Mbah has a dual obligation: ensuring the safety of residents and collaborating with federal authorities to bring perpetrators of such crimes to justice.
Governor Mbah’s promise to share evidence against Simon Ekpa reflects a proactive stance in addressing the root causes of insecurity in Nigeria’s Southeast region. The activities attributed to Ekpa, including alleged incitement of sit-at-home orders and threats of violence, have paralyzed economic and social life in many areas. Providing substantial evidence to both Nigerian and Finnish authorities could strengthen legal actions against such actors and deter future incidents of politically motivated violence.
While focusing on external threats, the governor must also prioritize internal security challenges. The sacking of communities and killing of farmers by herdsmen in Enugu has created a climate of fear, hampering economic activities and displacing residents. These attacks, which often involve armed groups targeting rural settlements, undermine the state’s stability and development. Governor Mbah should ensure evidence of these atrocities, including testimonies from victims, forensic analyses, and records of displaced persons, all should be systematically compiled.
By working closely with the Nigerian military, police, and local vigilantes, the governor can create a coordinated response to prevent further violence. Just as evidence against Ekpa is shared internationally, the governor must liaise with the federal government to ensure that herdsmen involved in these killings face prosecution.
Last Friday, no fewer than three farmers were confirmed killed in the Mgbuji community in Eha-Amufu, Isi-Uzo Local Government Area of Enugu State, by suspected killer herdsmen in renewed attacks. Several others were also reported wounded in the attacks, which took place on Friday morning. Video clips seen on social media, which have since gone viral, showed one of the victims slaughtered inside his rice farm lying beside a basket of cassava he reportedly harvested before he was attacked.
It should be recalled that suspected herdsmen militias under President Muhammadu Buhari had sacked over 20 farm settlements in Eha-Amufu communities and killed no less than 123 locals between 2019 and 2022 during clashes over farm destruction. A community leader, Ogenyi Odoh, who confirmed the latest attacks and killings, begged for the government’s urgent intervention to stop what he described as murderous attacks by killer herdsmen.
Focusing exclusively on external threats like Simon Ekpa without addressing internal crises could lead to a disconnect between the government and its citizens. Residents of Enugu State, particularly those in rural areas, demand accountability and action against all forms of insecurity. By addressing both external and internal threats, Governor Mbah can reaffirm his administration’s commitment to protecting lives and livelihoods.
Governor Mbah’s commendable efforts to provide evidence against Ekpa should be complemented by immediate action to address local threats. The state government must support farming communities with resources and security infrastructure; advocate for federal intervention in prosecuting killer herdsmen; create platforms for public reporting and dialogue to build trust and ensure transparency.
A holistic approach to tackling insecurity will enhance Enugu’s safety and serve as a model for other states grappling with similar challenges. The governor’s leadership in these areas will ultimately define his legacy and reaffirm the state’s commitment to justice and security for all its residents.