Enugu state governor, Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi has blamed the security agencies for the April 24th attack on Nimbo community by suspected Fulani herdsmen. The governor in a press conference said he had informed security agencies of the impending attacks and they gave him full assurance of the safety of his people. Read the full statement by the governor at the press conference below;
"On Sunday, April 24, 2016, by 7 pm, the night before this carnage took place, I got security information from Uzo-Uwani LGA. That such an incident was likely to take place in the state. I immediately summoned a meeting of State Security Council which commenced by 10 pm.
The meeting was attended by the following: 1. Brigadier General Olufemi Akinjobi who normally represents (GOC) 82 Division Nigerian Army. 2. The Commissioner of Police, Mr. Nwodibo Ekechukwu 3. State Director of Department State Security Services (DSS), Mr. M. Abdul Malik. 4. The State Commandant of the Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps, Mr. Lar Stephen 5. Representatives of the Nigerian Air force, Federal Road Safety Corps and Nigerian Prison Services, who attended as observers.
In the meeting, I received assurances from the Commissioner of Police that the Area Commander of SARS was on ground in Nimbo. -That the Anti-Terrorism Unit was at Nimbo. That he was in contact with the Kogi State Commissioner of Police and reported suspected herdsmen grouping at Odolu in Kogi State preparatory for an attack on Nimbo and Abbi communities.
They told me that the Police mobile force and conventional police were already drafted to Nimbo and Abbi communities. That he was in touch with the Area Commander, Idah, ACP Ikegwuonwu and had linked him with the Area Commander, Nsukka, ACP Monday Kuryas. Both men according to the CP reported that there were no traces of suspected herdsmen in Nsukka or Idah. That he ordered the Area Commander, Nsukka to redeploy to Nimbo. I keep telling them nothing must happen to my people. The Garrison Commander on his part assured me that the Military was already deployed to Nimbo.
Let me state that the State Government provided logistics for these deployments. After receiving these assurances, I felt quite confident that we had done everything possible to forestall an attack on Nimbo. I have narrated what transpired @ Security Council meeting fully conscious of provisions of d Constitution pertaining to my oath of office. I am doing this in due discharge of my duties as Governor.
Sadly, in the early hours of Monday reports of this carnage reached me. More disturbing was the report that the attack of innocent and defenceless citizens were carried out at about 6.30 am.
Reports available to me indicate that apart from the killing & maiming of innocent & defenceless citizens of Nimbo a Church was also burnt. Following this development, I engaged the security agencies in order to ensure that the Nimbo area was secured from further attacks.
I visited Nimbo to establish firsthand d extent of carnage. My visit to Nimbo was revealing. I came face to face with d wounded & bereaved. I saw burnt & damaged personage of Christ Holy Church. I saw a traumatized community in shock & despair. I saw a dead body. I wept. I wondered what has become of our quest for a united, peaceful and prosperous nation.
Now in less than 3months, violent clashes have occurred in Enugu State in Awgu, Nike, Abbi & Nimbo between suspected herdsmen & our people. This situation cannot be allowed to continue. For this reason, I sought audience with the President & Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces. Our discussions were frank & cordial.
The President condemned this dastardly act & gave directives to the security agencies to fish out these criminals and bring them to justice. I am at once, constituting a judicial commission of inquiry to investigate the immediate and remote causes of these attacks.
What happened between 6.30am and 7.30 am on Monday 25th April, 2016 despite assurances from Security Agencies? Only the Security Agencies can answer this question as to why they allowed the attacks despite all the assurances.
Finally, all security agencies in the State are hereby directed to continue to ensure that lives and property of the people of the State and all its residents are protected. Thank you and God bless you. Rt. Hon. Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi Governor, Enugu State."