Team allays fears over helicopter presence, vows to flush out criminals from forests
The people of Eha‑Amufu in Isi‑Uzo Local Government Area of Enugu State have expressed joy and renewed confidence over the steady improvement of security in their communities under the administration of Governor Peter Mbah.
Stakeholders, youths, women and other residents of Eha‑Amufu turned out en masse to receive the governor’s security team, led by his Senior Special Assistant on Security, Vincent Onyeabor, who arrived at the Ogbete, Eha‑Amufu Joint Task Force (JTF) Security Camp with three helicopters.
The team was accompanied by officers of the Nigerian Air Force and the International Helicopter Flying School (IHFS), Air Force Base, Emene, Enugu, led by Air Commodore D. E. Laha and Wing Commander O. Adeniyi.
The security delegation also visited Aguamede community in Eha‑Amufu, where they were received at St. Paul’s Model Secondary School by the Chairman of Isi‑Uzo LG Council, Barr. Obiora Obeagu, alongside community leaders including the Anglican Bishop of Eha‑Amufu Diocese, Bishop Daniel Olinya, and the traditional ruler of Aguamede community, Igwe John Odo Anyika.
During the visit, Onyeabor addressed concerns over the helicopters frequently sighted in the area, clarifying that they were not being used by criminals.
“This is why we have decided to come here with some of those helicopters, to reassure you that they are not enemies, but friends from the International Helicopter Flying School on routine training programme, and that you should feel happy and wave whenever you see them,” he said.
He explained that beyond training, the collaboration between the state’s security team, the Air Force and the flying school has enhanced surveillance and deterred criminal activity.
“So, their training programmes are just one part of the story. The other part, which is very critical, is that their operations also help us to keep an eye on what is happening around these forests because in Enugu State, we have zero tolerance for any form of insecurity. The governor has said it repeatedly that we have no room, forest or space for criminal elements,” Onyeabor added.
In his remarks, Bishop Olinya lauded the Mbah administration’s commitment to the security and welfare of Eha‑Amufu and Isi‑Uzo communities.
He described it as “the exceptional commitment of His Excellency, Governor Peter Mbah to the security and welfare of the people of Eha‑Amufu and Isi‑Uzo Local Government in general.”
The Bishop noted that the recent visit of Eha‑Amufu stakeholders to Governor Mbah revealed his deep love and plans for the area. He praised the return of displaced persons to their farmlands and made a personal pledge:
“I will physically be at Ogbete come Sunday, 13th July, 2025, to resume normal Church Service after many years of desertion since 2021/2022,” he announced.
He urged residents to seize the prevailing peace to return to their homes and farmlands, ensuring that the sacrifices of government and security forces would not be in vain.
Also speaking, Isi‑Uzo Council Chairman, Barr. Obiora Obeagu, commended Governor Mbah’s transformative security measures.
“We cannot thank the governor enough for all he has been doing to strengthen security in Isi‑Uzo in general and Eha‑Amufu in particular since he assumed office. Remember that before he assumed office, there were Internally Displaced Persons, IDP, camps in Isi‑Uzo. But in a matter of about a month or two, our people returned to their homes, following massive deployment of security personnel,” Obeagu said.
He highlighted the governor’s infrastructural efforts to enhance security and agriculture.
“To facilitate security access and improve agricultural production, he has completed the 21.7km Agape‑Agu‑Mgbuji‑Ogbete asphalt Road, which leads into some of the farm settlements. Currently, he has directed for the asphalt road to be extended by about 8km into Aguamede to further improve security. The governor is equally working to ensure that these farm settlements have telecoms connectivity to aid effective communication and security response,” he stated.
Obeagu further revealed:
“He is also doing one 200‑hectare farm estate in all the 11 political wards of Isi‑Uzo. These include the four political wards of Eha‑Amufu. That of Mgbuji has since commenced and Abor‑Isiala and Aguamede have followed suit. These farms will be fenced and smallholder farmers will have access to modern farm machineries, inputs, and the services of extension workers,” he said.
The visit, marked by the presence of surveillance helicopters and high‑level security officials, has bolstered community morale and underscored the state government’s ongoing resolve to ensure lasting peace and development in Eha‑Amufu and beyond.
