Insecurity: How grassroots strategy curbed clashes, abductions in Abakaliki – Council boss
The Chairman of Abakaliki Local Government Area, Nwogba Ebere Stephen, has identified improved security as a hallmark of his administration, attributing the relative peace now being enjoyed across communities to deliberate, people-driven strategies.
He said his government met a deeply troubled council on assumption of office, marked by frequent communal clashes, boundary disputes, and cases of child abduction that created fear among residents.
“When we came on board, the security situation was a serious concern. There were tensions everywhere—communal conflicts, boundary issues, and even cases of child abduction,” he stated.
Determined to reverse the trend, the chairman explained that his administration adopted a grassroots approach, engaging directly with community leaders and residents to understand and address the root causes of conflicts.
“We did not sit in the office to make decisions. We went into the communities, spoke with the people, and listened to their concerns. That helped us tackle the real issues,” he said.
He noted that sustained dialogue and inclusiveness helped to calm tensions, particularly in volatile areas affected by both local and interstate disputes.
“Many of those flashpoints are now relatively peaceful because people feel heard and involved,” he added.
“This has helped us track movements and prevent suspicious activities,” he explained.
According to him, the initiative has significantly reduced such incidents, as landlords and residents have become more vigilant and cooperative with security agencies.
“There is now a stronger sense of awareness and responsibility among the people,” he said.
He further disclosed that his administration recently intervened in a community crisis by involving security agencies, dissolving conflicting leadership structures, and setting up a caretaker committee to restore order.
“That swift action helped restore peace within a short time,” he noted.Reaffirming his commitment, the chairman stressed that sustaining peace remains central to his agenda.
“Without security, there can be no meaningful development. We will continue to prioritize the safety of our people,” he said.