…Warns traditional rulers against illegal land deals with foreigners
In a determined effort to combat rising insecurity, the Executive Chairman of Uzo-Uwani Local Government Area in Enugu State, Barr. Chijioke Ezugwu, has launched a massive forest-clearing exercise along major roads and unveiled a series of security initiatives to safeguard lives, property, and farmlands.
The initiative, which commenced over the weekend, involves clearing overgrown vegetation along key roads including Ezukolo, Abbi, Nrobo, and Nimbo — areas notorious for criminal ambushes. 
According to the Chairman’s media adviser, Chief Kingsley Onyeji, the clearance aims to eliminate hideouts for kidnappers and other criminal elements, significantly enhancing road visibility and safety.
“Uzo-Uwani has long been plagued by road ambushes,” Onyeji said. “These attacks have not only caused physical harm but have also created a climate of fear and insecurity within the communities. Clearing these strategic routes is a major step toward restoring safety and confidence.”
In addition to the clearing project, Barr. Ezugwu has established a Community Farm Protection Squad, a security outfit dedicated to protecting farmlands and ensuring farmers can operate without fear of attack or destruction of their crops. 
He also inaugurated a Rapid Response Team under the neighbourhood watch framework. Equipped with patrol vans and modern communication tools, the team is trained to respond swiftly to emergencies including violent attacks, robberies, and road accidents.
“The team’s swift response has helped prevent many incidents from escalating into more dangerous situations,” Onyeji noted. “Their presence alone has served as a deterrent in several cases.”
Other security measures rolled out by the council chairman include recruitment and restructuring of neighbourhood watch operatives, enhanced intelligence gathering and procurement of modern security equipment.
Others are stronger collaboration with formal security agencies and grassroots sensitization and stakeholder engagement.
In a stern warning to traditional leaders, Ezugwu cautioned against engaging in land transactions with foreigners, whom he claimed often turn out to be criminal elements. He said any traditional ruler found culpable would face stiff sanctions. 
“The safety of our people is paramount,” he said. “We must not allow criminality to thrive under the guise of development or land acquisition.”
Since assuming office, Barr. Ezugwu has been at the forefront of implementing proactive, community-based security strategies aimed at protecting vulnerable areas—particularly those central to agriculture and local livelihoods.
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