Governor Peter Mbah of Enugu State has commended security agencies, especially the Nigerian Army, for improved security and end to sit-at-home in the state, assuring that his administration will not let down its guard.

This was even as the army has reiterated that security could only get better given the level of resources and manpower deployed in the state, assuring citizens of safety as they go about their businesses.

The governor gave the commendation when he received the General Officer Commanding (GOC) 82 Division of the Nigerian Army, Enugu, Major General Hassan Dada, at the Government House, yesterday.

He said the improved security would aid his administration’s promise to grow the state’s economy in an unprecedented manner, saying that the growth will come from private sector investments.

“The fact is that private sector investment will not happen if we do not have peace and security. That was why we immediately identified the security challenge and the sit-at-home as the big elephants in the room when we came on board.”

We recognise that the continued Monday sit-at-home was not only creating this perception of insecurity in our state, but it was also doing so much damage to our psychology as a people, our social well being and our economy. We moved against it and made a pronouncement to put an end to it.

“So, I want to immediately put on record our profound appreciation and immense gratitude for the support, dedication and commitment we have continued to receive from the military, particularly, the army, in our quest to have a peaceful and secure state.

“I also want to put on record that we have enjoyed tremendous support in not only getting security agencies to buy into ending sit-at-home, but also, in practice, getting them to deploy enough security to ensure the protection of life and property.”

Mbah, however, enjoined the military and security agencies not to rest on their oars, adding that having lost the battle, the criminals that hitherto terrorised the people have now resorted to social media propaganda.

Speaking earlier, General Dada commended the governor for leading the charge against insecurity and illegal sit-at-home, saying the army and other security agencies had restored security in Enugu through the governor’s support.