Ebonyi State Governor Francis Nwifuru has procured and handed over bulletproof vests, gadgets, and a Hilux van to the newly formed Joint Security Taskforce (JTF) to tackle insecurity in some parts of the state.
The 10 Hilux vans were branded Ijeoma and painted yellow.
Distributing the gadgets and vehicles to the JTF at the old government house in Abakaliki, the state capital, Governor Nwifuru, who was represented by his deputy, Patricia Obila, commended the security agencies in the state for their efforts in ensuring peace and tranquilly in the state.
He noted that the provision of the vehicles was in fulfilment of his promise to provide mobility for the security agencies to combat insecurity in some parts of the state.
“When we give you much assignment, especially pertaining to interstate security, we have to give you the enablement to succeed, and that is why we are here to celebrate because I call it a celebration, a celebration of peace, a celebration of love, a celebration of activity.
“If you look at the name on the vehicles, you will see Ijeoma. Ijeoma is a great name; Ijeoma, when you look at it, is a divine name; when you embark on a journey and it is successful, they call it Ijeoma,” the governor stated.
Secretary to the State Government, Professor Grace Umezuruike, said the priority of the state government is the protection of lives and properties.
She noted that the governor was worried about the security challenges the state was encountering in some parts of the state, which motivated him to make a concerted effort to make sure that the security issues were nipped in the head.
There were several Security Council meetings, and one of the resolutions was to have a joint security task force. When the resolution was arrived at, our dear governor got into action immediately and provided all that was needed to make sure that this joint security task force was put into motion.
“The task force is called Ijeoma Ebonyi State. And having provided all that is needed to make sure that this taskforce is functional and also up to their duties, we are here today for the commissioning and flag-off of this security taskforce,” she stated.
The state commissioner of police, Augustina Ogbodo, and the commandant of the military cantonment in the state, A.A. Bako, commended the state government for equipping the task force.
They noted that the provision of vehicles and other logistics will enhance the operations of the task force.
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