Enugu appoints new forest guard leaders to tackle security threats

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The Enugu State Government has announced the appointment of new leadership for the Enugu State Forest Guard as part of its efforts to strengthen and professionalise forest and environmental security operations across the state.

According to a statement issued on Friday by the Secretary to the State Government, Prof Chidiebere Onyia, Governor Peter Mbah approved the appointment of Colonel Dan Didiugwu (rtd) as the Chairman of the Enugu State Forest Guard and Dr Olamitisoji Akinbamilayo, a retired Deputy Commissioner of Police, as the Commander of the Forest Guard.

The appointments, made on Friday, are expected to reposition the Forest Guard into a highly responsive and efficient outfit.

“We are confident in the capacity and experience of both Colonel Didiugwu and DCP Akinbamilayo to lead the Forest Guard,” the statement quoted Onyia as saying.

“The State Government is committed to safeguarding lives, property, and natural resources, and these appointments are a significant step towards achieving that goal,” he added. 

The appointment of the Chairman of the Forest Guard Board is subject to confirmation by the Enugu State House of Assembly, while the appointment of the Commander takes effect immediately.

According to the announcement, the office of Commander of the Forest Guard supersedes the previously existing position of State Coordinator, which is now abolished.

The appointments may be connected to the resurgence of herdsmen attacks across the state’s border communities.

According to reports, at least 163 people have been killed in Eha-Amufu border communities with Benue State by marauding Fulani herdsmen between 2021 and June 16. In the past two weeks, at least 16 people have been killed in renewed attacks in Mgbuji and Agu-Amed autonomous communities in the Eha-Amufu Isi-Uzu local government area of Enugu State.

The appointments, the statement noted, are a significant step towards achieving the state government’s commitment to environmental security and sustainable development.

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