Residents of Umuoparaozara Autonomous Community in Olokoro, Umuahia South Local Government Area of Abia State have inaugurated a community security outfit and commenced routine bush combing exercises as part of efforts to strengthen grassroots security and curb criminal activities within the community.
The initiative, which attracted traditional rulers, community leaders, youths, elders and members of the diaspora, is aimed at complementing the efforts of security agencies in protecting lives, property, farmlands and other community assets.
Speaking during the inauguration, Chief Dr. Innocent Nwokoma Onyekwere, the Ikwubuike II of Amaukwa Umuoparaozara Autonomous Community, Olokoro, said the worsening security situation across the country informed the community’s decision to adopt proactive measures through community policing to safeguard its environment.
Onyekwere, who represented the traditional ruler of Umuoparaozara Autonomous Community, His Royal Highness Eze Sir S.N. Ubani (Ezeukwu I of Olokoro), as well as the Traditional Prime Minister, His Highness Luke Chigozirim Ifeanacho, who were both unavoidably absent, explained that the community resolved to comb its forests following intelligence reports that criminal elements, including bandits, hoodlums and other suspected criminals, could be using the bushes as hideouts.
He noted that the operation, which covered forests stretching across different parts of the community, marked the beginning of what would become a sustained and regular security exercise.
According to him, the overwhelming turnout and commitment displayed by the youths exceeded expectations and reflected the community’s collective resolve to preserve peace, security and unity.
Onyekwere stressed that security should not be left solely in the hands of the military, police and other security agencies, insisting that community policing, family vigilance and individual responsibility remain critical in tackling emerging security challenges.
He urged residents to remain alert, monitor suspicious movements within their surroundings and promptly report any unusual activities to community leaders, traditional rulers or relevant security agencies.
Dr. Onyekwere commended the active participation of all segments of the community, including elders, youths, council members and indigenes residing outside the community, describing the exercise as a clear demonstration that security is a collective responsibility.
Also speaking, a community stakeholder and diaspora representative, High Chief Ebenezer Onwuama, said he returned home immediately after learning about the security initiative in order to identify with and support the exercise.
He applauded the community leadership for establishing a security committee headed by High Chief Luke Nwaeze Ubani and supported by the President-General, describing the initiative as timely in view of the prevailing security concerns across the country.
Onwuama encouraged residents to continue supporting the security outfit and advocated regular bush combing and surveillance exercises, noting that sustained community participation would help deter criminal activities and guarantee lasting peace in Umuoparaozara Autonomous Community.
According to him, the initiative is designed to protect residents, secure their property and create a safe and peaceful environment for everyone.
He also urged the youths to continue working closely with traditional rulers, elders and community leaders in sustaining the security initiative, emphasizing that collective responsibility remains the key to achieving lasting peace.
In their separate remarks, the President-General of Umuoparaozara Autonomous Community, Mr. Livinus Uzoanya, and the Chairman of the Umuoparaozara Security Committee, High Chief Luke Nwaeze Ubani (Ochiriozuo), said the security outfit was established to complement the security efforts of the Abia State Government.
They stressed that the community would remain vigilant against criminal elements, declaring that residents would not allow anyone to threaten their ancestral land or undermine the peace enjoyed within the community.
The President-General and the Security Committee Chairman described the gathering as both a security and cultural exercise, explaining that members of the community assembled at a sacred location to reaffirm their commitment to protecting their homeland while seeking divine protection for the community and Abia State.
They also commended Governor Alex Otti for his administration’s security initiatives and assured him of the community’s readiness to support all efforts geared towards sustaining peace and security across the state.
Chairman of Umuoparaozara Autonomous Community, Ikechukwu Godwin Onuoju, said the inauguration received massive support from youths, elders, chiefs and other stakeholders, adding that the community had resolved to intensify surveillance of its forests and farmlands.
He called on the youths to remain vigilant and continue supporting the state’s security agenda by working closely with community leaders to prevent criminal elements from infiltrating their communities.
The community leaders maintained that the establishment of the security outfit would significantly improve safety, protect farmers and preserve lasting peace within Umuoparaozara Autonomous Community and its neighbouring communities.
A traditional chief and elder of the community, Chief Ignatius Ikwuegbu, expressed delight that the youths had shown renewed commitment towards protecting their ancestral land. He advised them to remain disciplined and continue serving as worthy ambassadors of the community.
Also speaking, Elder Matthew Ukekwe, popularly known as Manchester, pledged his continued support for the youths in sustaining the security operation.
Speaking on behalf of the youths, Ifeme Celestine Chibuzo commended his fellow youths for their dedication and successful outing, while reaffirming their unwavering commitment to supporting the elders and community leadership in ensuring a safe, peaceful and secure Umuoparaozara Autonomous Community.
