Ebonyi Moves to Protect Traditional Rulers Amid Rising Killings — Commissioner Igwe
Nkechinyere Ewa
The Ebonyi State Government has outlined fresh measures to safeguard traditional rulers following a wave of killings and attacks on monarchs across communities in the state.
The Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Uchenna Igwe, disclosed that the government has initiated steps to deploy armed security personnel to protect traditional rulers, particularly within vulnerable border communities.
Igwe explained that the move followed a directive backed by the State House of Assembly, authorizing the provision of security operatives to royal fathers across the state.
According to him, the process is already underway, with recruitment, training, and procurement of necessary logistics in progress. He clarified that the personnel to be deployed would be private security operatives, not conventional police officers.
“In response to the current security challenges, the government has taken proactive steps. Training is ongoing, and procurement is also ongoing to ensure that traditional rulers are adequately protected,” he said.
On efforts to bring perpetrators to justice, the commissioner noted that security agencies have intensified operations, leading to the arrest of several suspects linked to the killings, while investigations continue.
He added that the state government would collaborate with affected families to plan the burial of slain traditional rulers once investigations reach an advanced stage.
Igwe also addressed concerns over the replacement of deceased monarchs, stressing that the process does not lie with the state government.
“The selection of traditional rulers is the responsibility of the communities. The role of the government is to supervise and ensure due process is followed,” he said.
Responding to speculations that the killings may be politically motivated, the commissioner declined to draw conclusions, emphasizing that security agencies are still probing the incidents.
He, however, called on traditional rulers and community stakeholders to strengthen local security structures, noting that safety is a collective responsibility.
Igwe urged royal fathers to convene meetings with youth leaders, town union executives, and other stakeholders to develop grassroots strategies for protecting their communities.
“Security is everyone’s business. Traditional rulers must take proactive steps by engaging their communities to put effective local security measures in place,” he said.
Correspondent reports that the recent attacks on traditional rulers have raised concerns across Ebonyi, prompting calls for urgent and coordinated action to stem the violence and restore confidence in local security systems.
