Ebonyi indigenes decry activities of Ebubeagu

The Association of Ebonyi Indigenes Socio-Cultural In the Diaspora (AEISCID) has decried activities of the armed militia group, Ebubeagu Security Network, in Ebonyi State.

AEISCID, led by Amb. Paschal Oluchukwu, in a statement, noted that activities of the security outfit run contrary to laid down rules and regulations.

While accusing CP Aliyu Garba of making himself a willing tool in the hands of the state government, the group claimed that many Ebonyians have lost their lives in the process, while many operations and activities of the security outfit have been unreported in the media.

The group contended that Ebubeagu has no place in Nigeria’s law and democracy, going by extant provisions of sections 4 and 214 of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, which provide that only the National Assembly shall have powers to legislate on matters pertaining the security of a state under the Nigerian federation.

The group noted that the Nigerian Police Force (NPF) remains the only security outfit, recognised by law, to ensure security of life and property in the state.

The group gave the Inspector General of Police (IGP), Usman Baba Ahmed, 48 hours ultimatum to disband Ebubeagu and set up a tactical squad to comb the old Government House, Abakaliki.

AEISCID further demanded immediate redeployment of the Commissioner of Police in the state, Garba Aliyu, and, also, constitute a committee to probe him over allegations levelled against his office.

The group said: “We have read and uncovered that no single day passes in Ebonyi without a case of one abduction of perceived opponent to Umahi’s administration or the other by operatives of Ebubeagu militia. This is, allegedly, often followed by vicious torture of victims at the old Government House, Abakaliki, directly opposite the State Police Command Headquarters.

“We demand immediate redeploying of CP Garba, and also constitute a committee to probe these allegations that has been levelled against an officer of the law, who shouldn’t be above the law! The police authorities must show cause by disciplining him and his accomplices in the Command to serve as a deterrent to others.”