ABIA State governor Okezie Ikpeazu has authorised the commencement of a two week intensive security training for men of the Abia Vigilante Services (AVS) popularly known as the Bakassi Boys to enable them cope with the menace of Fulani herdsmen.
Last Monday, Fulani herdsmen invaded Ukpabi-Nimbo community in Uzo-Uwani Local Government Area of Enugu State armed to the teeth with AK47 rifles and carried out a gruesome attack leading to the death of 48 people. In response, members of the Igbo militia group the Bakassi Boys have regrouped and re-armed themselves with a view to defending their community against further attacks.
Yesterday, Governor Ikpeazu gave his full backing to the initiative, ordering the immediate retraining of the AVS or Bakassi Boys. Reacting to other incidences of a breakdown of law and order including the recent killing of a meat-seller at a popular abattoir located at the Ogbohill area of Aba, the governor said the vigilantes will assist with community policing.
Governor Ikpeazu said: “I condemn the act that led to the untimely death of this brother and I associate myself with his family in this moment of pains and loss, even as I commiserate with traders in the market. The soldier who perpetrated this act has been arrested and taken into custody.
“I call on the people of Abia, especially those of us in Aba, to remain claim and I reassure all citizens of the state that the government is doing everything to protect lives and property of citizens from any attack. I have instructed and equipped security agencies in the state to ensure watertight security around our boarders and towns against any form of attack."
He added that all traditional rulers in the state are required to submit names of 10 youths from their community to the commissioner for local government and chieftaincy affairs, who will then be enlisted into the AVS. Governor Ikpeazu has also mandated the law enforcement agencies to search and screen all trucks and vehicles conveying livestock, food items and persons into the state from any part of the country.
"Law enforcement agencies will also search and screen markets and settlements where livestock and dealers are, to ensure security. Also, the government of Abia State has constituted a farmers/herdsmen conflict resolution committee headed by the commissioner of police.
"Other members of the committee are the brigade commander, the state director of the Department of State Security, the state commandant of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps and the naval commander. Also serving on it will be the special adviser to the governor on security, the special adviser to the governor on special duties, the state chairman of the Christian Association of Nigeria, Myatti Allah and the Saraki Hausa," Governor Ikpeazu added.
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