A group, under the aegis of Orba Newbreed Association (ONA), has applauded Gov. Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi of Enugu State on his relentless efforts to ensure adequate security for lives and property in the State.
ONA gave the commendation in a communique issued after its emergency meeting signed by Mr Onyema Odo, Chairman, and Mr Hyginus Eze, Publicity Secretary, made available to newsmen in Nsukka on Thursday.
The association, however, criticised the killings of Mr Ifeanyi Okeke, the Chief Executive Officer Officer of AutoEase, and Prof. Samuel Ndubuisi, Director-General, Science and Equipment Development Institute (SEDI), Enugu, on July 4, and July 7, respectively.
It described the unfortunate incidents as deliberate attempts by those who sponsored the hoodlums to disrupt the peaceful nature of Enugu State.
“Enugu State for the past six years under the watch of Ugwuanyi is acclaimed nationally as one of the most peaceful and progressive states in the federation.
“It’s unfortunate that some sponsored hoodlums want to disrupt this peaceful nature of the State,” the communique said.
It said the governor’s recent action in which he led security agencies to the bush to clear some hideouts of criminals was an eloquent testimony that Ugwuanyi would go to any length to protect lives and property of residents.
“The fact that the governor took his personal security and led the battle into the bushes to hideouts of criminals is a clear message to the miscreants that they have no hiding place in the state.
“Ugwuanyi has shown exceptional ability to secure lives and property of residents; we want to assure him that we are solidly behind him,” the communique said.
The communique expressed appreciation to residents of Enugu state on their steadfast love and unalloyed support for the governor.
“We are also grateful to residents, as well as Maj.-Gen. Taoreed Lagbaja, the GOC of 82 Division, Nigerian Army, Enugu, Mr Mohammed Aliyu, Enugu State Commissioner of Police, and other heads of security agencies in the state.
“Continue your support for the governor as well as the heat on criminals until the state is rid of hoodlums,” it said.
The communique urged residents to continue to cooperate with security agencies as well as volunteer information that would assist them to track down criminals in their hiding places.