VOICES OF A GRATEFUL PEOPLE: As Udenu Stakeholders Applaud Security Breakthroughs, Urge Sustained Momentum

288

On January 29 the joint Udenu Security Team rescued a kidnap victim while neutralizing five out of seven kidnappers. Two days ago, they achieved similar feat, freeing one victim and killing one of the criminals after a sustained gunfire exchanges in Ezimo forest. This adds to other recorded successful operations by the team in recent times.

In the wake of the successful foiling of another kidnapping attempt in Udenu Local Government Area, yesterday, a wave of commendations has swept across the constituency. From political leaders to traditional authorities, academics to grassroots stakeholders, the consensus is unmistakable: the current administration under the Chairman, Aka Eze Aka, is making significant strides in restoring, peace, security and public confidence.

This Vox Populi captures the diverse yet converging voices of Udenu’s key stakeholders, each reflecting on the administration’s proactive security approach while offering thoughtful recommendations for sustaining the gains.

At the Udenu Stakeholders Meeting held in February at the Multipurpose Hall of Fiesto Hotel, Enugu, the Member representing Udenu Constituency in the Enugu State House of Assembly, Hon. Solomon Izuchukwu Onah, had set the tone for what has now become a chorus of approval.

Du

ring the meeting, he commended the Chairman for a decisive security operation earlier in January at the Amalla axis, where five out of seven suspected kidnappers were neutralized. His remarks laid foundation for a growing confidence among political leaders that the Local Government’s security strategy is not only working but delivering visible outcomes.

For Engr. Bernard Okpe, Ph.D, a retired Lecturer at the Institute of Management and Technology (IMT) Enugu, who hails from Ogbodu Aba Ward, the Chairman’s greatest strength lies in his responsiveness.

Reflecting on recent developments, he emphasized that unlike many leaders who react only after incidents escalate, Aka Eze Aka acts swiftly on intelligence, even when it appears as mere rumor. According to him, this proactive posture has emboldened security operatives to take the fight directly to criminal elements rather than waiting defensively. He congratulated the Chairman for restoring peace and calm in our Communities.

From the traditional leadership, HRH Chief Patrick Eze (Igwe Ezeoha I of Egari), Chairman of the Udenu Traditional Rulers Council, highlighted the importance of sustained institutional support.

In a telephone interview, he noted that the Chairman’s consistent provision of logistics and backing has significantly boosted the morale of security personnel. While he praised the current administration for their great efforts in restoring peace at last, in our localities, he urged the Council not to relent, stressing that continuous investment in security infrastructure is critical to maintaining the current trajectory.

Offering a broader national and strategic perspective, His Excellency, Maj. Gen. Chris Eze (Rtd), former Nigerian High Commissioner to India, and a stakeholder from Udunedem Ward, praised the administration’s repeated successes in tackling insecurity.

He observed that achieving multiple security breakthroughs within a short period is no small feat, urging both the government and security agencies to remain vigilant. Importantly, he reiterated that security is a shared responsibility, calling on citizens to actively support ongoing efforts, by Aka Eze Aka’s administration.

From Orba, High Chief Dr. Charles Mba, popularly known as Egbeigwe N’Orba, described the recent developments as a clear indication of purposeful leadership.

He commended the Chairman for leaving “no stone unturned” in safeguarding lives and property, while also aligning local efforts with the broader security vision of the Enugu State Government. In his view, the progress made by Udenu within just one and a half years of Aka Eze Aka’s government, provides a strong case for continuity to consolidate these gains. In his words: “This is why we want Aka Eze Aka to continue, as Chairman for the next two years, so he could entrench these good dividends, and make our people enjoy lasting peace and security.”

Adding a policy-driven dimension, Hon. Dr. Chinedu Onuh, former Commissioner for Youths and Chairman of the Udenu Development and Investment Agency (UDIA), expressed satisfaction with the administration’s proactive stance.

While congratulating the rescued victim and commending security operatives, he stressed the importance of sustaining momentum. He called for stronger collaboration between security agencies and community leaders, pointing to the resolutions of the Udenu Security Summit held in December as a critical framework for long-term success.

Former Udenu LGA Chairman, Dr. Godwin Abonyi, acknowledged the commendable work done so far by Aka Eze Aka-led Government, but emphasized the need for continuous improvement.

He advised that local security outfits, including Forest Guards and Neighborhood Watch groups, should deepen their engagement with rural communities. According to him, effective intelligence gathering at the grassroots level remains the backbone of any successful security architecture, as was witnessed in the recent triumphs recorded over the criminals.

In his reaction, former member of the Enugu State House of Assembly, Hon. Obinna Ijere, described the recent operation as both timely and strategic.

He credited the Chairman’s foresight, particularly the organization of the Udenu Security Summit, as a foundational step that has shaped current successes. While commending the administration, he also urged continued motivation and support for security personnel.

From the academic community, Dr. Chidiebere Nnamani of the Department of Accountancy, University of Nigeria, Enugu Campus, who hails from Obollo Afor Ward, praised the consistency of the security interventions.

He noted that achieving multiple successful operations within a single year reflects a deliberate and effective governance strategy. Emphasizing that security is the primary duty of any government, he concluded that the current Udenu administration is setting a commendable standard by aligning with best practices at the State level.

Across all responses, one message rings clearly: while the achievements are commendable, the people want the Chairman not to rest on his oars, but to continue in this trajectory.

Stakeholders unanimously called for sustained effort, deeper collaboration, and continuous support for security operatives. The people of Udenu, it appears, are not only appreciative, they are also invested in ensuring that the current momentum is not lost.

As the voices of the people echo across Wards and Communities, they form a powerful reminder that effective governance is most meaningful when it is both seen and felt at the grassroots.

© The Concourse Media.