Governors of the South East geo-political zone have raised the alarm over the spate of kidnappings and wanton killings in the zone, calling on the Federal Government to come to their aid in providing security in the area, bearing in mind that elections are around the corner.
The South East governors raised the alarm while briefing journalists after a closed-door meeting at the Government House, Enugu, on Sunday.
The meeting was attended by Enugu State Governor, Rt. Hon. Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi (host), Governor Okezie Ikpeazu of Abia State and Ebonyi State Governor/Chairman of the South East Governors Forum, Engr. David Umahi, while the governors of Anambra and Imo states, Prof. Charles Soludo and Senator Hope Uzodinma were represented by their deputies, Dr. Onyekachukwu Ibezim and Prof. Placid Njoku, respectively.
The governors agreed to set up a 24-hour joint patrol in all major highways within the South East, especially during the Christmas season.
Speaking, Gov. Umahi disclosed that the “South East governors decried the state of insecurity in the region”, adding that economic activities in the zone have come to a halt “while kidnapping and wanton killing have become the order of the day.”
On the issue of floods, the South East governors commended the states and the Federal Government on efforts to alleviate the sufferings of the victims of the recent flood menace in the country and expressed hope that a long term solution is desirable.
