Since coming to power in 2023, there have been three main cases of local terrorism in Enugu State under the Peter Mbah administration.
- The Nimbo, Uzo-Uwani LGA Attack, which led to the killing of four residents mourning a deceased person in Ugwuijoro village,
- The Aku, Igbo-Etiti LGA Attack, where suspected herdsmen killed farmer Emma Nnadi while he attempted to rescue a 13-year-old girl being gang-raped.
- The Eha Amufu, Isi-Uzo LGA Attack, where over 50 suspected herdsmen, some in military and police uniforms, attacked villages in Eha Amufu, killing eight people instantly.
These dastardly attacks prompted a swift response from the Mbah administration and the revamping and boosting of the domestic security outfit known as the Enugu Forest Guards. The main job description of this new security outfit is to patrol Enugu forests, detecting and flushing out any foreign settlement posing a threat to Ndi Enugu. They are also active in border communities in the state, which are more prone to such attacks, giving historical context.
” Operatives of the recently revitalized Enugu Forest Guards in action to secure our forests. Security remains the number one priority of Governor Peter Mbah.” Dan Nwomeh, the Senior Special Adviser to Peter Mbah on Media and Publicity, shared on X.
1700 Guards Recruited
The Forest Guards initiative, birthed in 2019 under the previous administration, received a considerable boost under Peter Mbah, following the recruitment of an additional 1700 guards.
The 1,700 guards recruited across 17 LGAs were equipped with 260 vehicles and motorcycles. Col. Dan Didiugwu (rtd) and DCP Olamitisoji Akinbamilayo (rtd) were appointed as Chairman and Commander to enhance efficiency and coordination of the security project.
The forest guards operate in collaboration with the town unions, gathering intelligence and acting on tip-offs. The initiative has proved a success, serving as a deterrent to marauding herdsmen and curtailed the scale of attacks in recent days.
